By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:King Mswati in his capacity as Ingwenyama of the Kingdom of eSwatini allegedly confirmed Ngudvuza Matsebula as the rightful Chief of Mbangweni but, his own Ludzidzini Council subsequently removed the Chief.

In a letter signed by Bheka Mabuza, the then Secretary of the Liqoqo King’s Advisory Council, King Mswati urged National Secretary to facilitate documents validating the appointment of Ngudvuza Matsebula.

As a result, Mandla Matsebula, the son of the late Chief Ngudvuza Matsebula was supposed to take over as the Chief of Mbangweni but, he was subsequently stopped by the Ludzidzini Council from exercising traditional powers.

But an independent investigation conducted by this publication linked the then Chairman Chief Mdlaka Gamedze, Ncumbi Maziya and other members of the Ludzidzini Council to serious allegations of corruption in that, they “were accepting bribes to overrule the King and mess-up the traditional institutions by confirming those who bribed them as Chiefs”.

But Chief Mdladla Gamedze, the then Chairman of the Ludzidzini Council was subsequently removed by the King and replaced with Indvuna Themba Ginindza of eMbekelweni-King Mbandzeni’s uMphakatsi.

Ncumbi Maziya who was also linked to allegations of corruption went to King to conduct what is known as “kutigicita eNkhosini” and fortunately, the King forgave but under strict final warning conditions.

“This serves to inform you that His Majesty the Ingwenyama Mswati III has ruled that Ngudvuza Matsebula is the rightful Chief of Mbangweni Area in the Shiselweni Region.His Majesty has directed that your esteemed office prepare the necessary documents to validate the appointment”, reads the letter in part signed by Bheka Mabuza on behalf of King Mswati.

But a subsequent letter dated 15th May 2024, signed by the then Ludzidzini Council Chairman overruled the King.

“Libandla LeNkhosi eLudzidzini Council likwatisa kutsi Babe Nguduza Matsebula akatange abeSikhulu saseMbangweni eShiselweni”, reads a letter in part directed to Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku.

Responding to this publication on Tuesday morning, Chief Mdlaka Gamedze comfirmed knowlegue of the letters but said, he cannot comment further about this matter after being removed by the King, he urged this publication to contact the Ludzidzini Council.

“Please contact the Ludzidzini Council,I am no longer the Chairman”, he said.

Worth-noting, the letter was signed three(3) days before the King removed Chief Mdlaka Gamedze as the Chairman of the Ludzidzini Council.

But the first letter signed by Bheka Mabuza came directly from the King’s Office while the other letter came from the Ludzidzini Council through the Eswatini National Administration, an institution overseeing or handling issues of Eswatini Law and Custom.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News on Monday evening, King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane clarified that, “the King’s order in this matter reigns supreme hence Ngudvuza Matsebula remains the Chief of Mbangweni”.

This comes after this journalist forwarded the two(2) letters where the King was appointing Ngudvuza Matsebula as the Chief and the other letter where removed Ludzidzini Council Chairman Chief Mdlaka Gamedze was overruling Ingwenyama.

“Constitutionally and traditionally only the King appoints and removes Chiefs. If the letters/instruments you have shown me are authentic, then the King’s one reigns supreme.He is Editor-in-Chief of the Council in question and it not his duty to appoint Chiefs but his responsibility.He may not delegate anyone to execute his responsibility but his duty. Responsibility is constitutionally not delegated,” said the King’s Spokesperson.