Richards Bay Minerals in KwaZulu-Natal. | Sibusiso Ndlovu/ Independent Newspapers
Durban — The faction in the Zulu Royal family backing Prince Simakade for the throne would not be drawn to comment on whether there was a “third hand” in the arrest of Prince Lungalomndeni Zulu, a staunch backer of Prince Simakade.
In an interview with the Daily News, senior Prince Mazwi Zulu said he was yet to meet with Prince Lungalomndeni following his arrest in early October amid allegations of involvement in a R26 million mineral theft racket at Richards Bay Minerals (RMB), anchored in Richards Bay.
“We don’t want to speculate regarding the arrest of Prince Lungalomndeni. We are yet to meet with him and then see whether there is a third hand or not.
“For now, we will not speculate about his arrest until we meet,” said Prince Mazwi.
The prince was apparently arrested alongside logistical entrepreneur Richard Malinga.
The prince is accused of leading a crime syndicate that has purportedly plundered unprocessed minerals from the mining giant for several years.
He was arrested on October 5 at his royal residence in KwaZiphethe, KwaNongoma, by the dedicated police unit Operation Vala Umgodi, which was specifically formed in response to the escalating concerns surrounding illicit mining activities in the Richards Bay area.
The prince, who has been embroiled in a political tussle over the Zulu throne, appeared before the eMpangeni Magistrate's court on October 7, where he and Malinga were granted bail of R50 000 each.
The charges against them are part of a broader probe into a sophisticated network suspected of operating within the mining sector.
Following the arrests, the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who is also the Zulu Traditional Prime Minister commended the law enforcement and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for addressing the issues stemming from “this” alleged syndicate.
“We welcome this arrest as it sends a strong message that crime is being dealt with seriously in KwaZulu-Natal. It is clear the police now have the upper hand against the [alleged] criminal syndicate of Prince Lungalomndeni, which has caused considerable harm to the economy of our province,” Buthelezi stated.
The arrest of Zulu is particularly notable given his factional ties within the royal family, having previously backed Prince Simakade's claim to the Zulu throne in opposition to King Misuzulu. The implications of his alleged criminal actions extend beyond personal consequences, touching upon the stability and reputation of the Zulu monarchy as a whole.
Prince Lungalomndeni has vehemently backed Prince Simakade for the throne, in many instances he has argued that he was the rightful heir to the throne.
This has sparked a rift in the royal family between those who backed Prince Simakade and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s supporters.
This matter is still before the court.
The scramble for contracts at RMB has seen a spate of violent incidents, which have, at times, claimed the lives of people.
In February this year, the procurement manager Sifiso Mncube was shot dead while driving home after work.
In May 2021, another senior manager, Nico Swart, was gunned down.
A written request for comment was sent to the Richards Bay Minerals, a follow up and a call but there was no response by the publication time.
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