MaNtuli, Zuma still in touch
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma and his estranged wife, Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma, are still communicating regularly despite a continuing investigation into allegations that she was involved in a plot to poison him.
“MaNtuli” was kicked out of the presidential homestead at Nkandla by State Security Minister David Mahlobo because of a “sensitive matter” at the beginning of last year. She and her children had been staying at the presidential home in Durban North and she still enjoyed all her spousal privileges, said her lawyer, Ulrich Roux.
Roux said meetings had been arranged for the president to spend time with his children.
Roux said he had not been informed of the status of the police investigation into the alleged attempt on Zuma’s life.
“I have only been informed that the investigation is apparently still ongoing, but have not been furnished with any progress report. My client was asked a number of questions pertaining to a so-called and alleged investigation, which she answered honestly and truthfully.”
MaNtuli has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
“No information has come to light which links my client to any so-called plot to kill President Zuma,” said Roux.
He also questioned why no one had been arrested and prosecuted for attempted murder if there had been a plot to kill Zuma.
“More than 18 months have elapsed since the alleged plot came to light and there is still no arrest having been effected. This in itself speaks volumes,” Roux said.
State Security Agency spokesman Brian Dube said he did not have any details as the investigation was being led by the Hawks. Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi could not be reached for comment.
Roux said MaNtuli was in “good health and spirits, together with her minor children”.
A close family friend, however, told the Sunday Times this week that she was subdued.
The friend said MaNtuli, who is from KwaMaphumulo in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, spent most of the time with her family in Tongaat, north of Durban.
“One thing she said publicly at a funeral in December was that people should keep out of her affairs and she is putting all her trust in the Lord,” said the friend.
According to the friend, the fallout between Zuma and MaNtuli did not start with the alleged poison plot but after she allegedly cheated on Zuma with her private bodyguard. “It was during that time that the family started to notice that her international trips had been slashed. But since the poison plot, which the family openly spoke about, she has been very subdued.”
The friend said MaNtuli, who is now said to be a born-again Christian, was spending more time with her pastor, S’manga Ntuli, for moral support.
MaNtuli declined to comment.