Police probing murder, theft in prince’s case
POLICE in Gauteng now believe that Prince Lethukuthula Zulu was murdered at his Northwold, Randburg, apartment on Friday afternoon.
Prince Lethukuthula, 50, was Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Sibongile MaDlamini’s eldest son.
Police initially opened an inquest docket when his body was found by guards in his apartment on Friday.
His friend was sleeping in another bedroom in the house when the guards made the discovery.
Police said investigations were ongoing and information remained sketchy about the circumstances that led to his death.
But yesterday, Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said they were now investigating a murder docket after they became aware that money and valuables had been stolen from the prince’s Graceland apartment in Northwold.
“The inquest docket that was opened at Honeydew police station on Friday afternoon, November 6, to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Prince Lethukuthula Zulu at Graceland Residential Complex in Northwold, has now been converted to a murder case based on preliminary evidence emerging from the initial investigation,” Peters said.
She said police were awaiting the results of the post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
Peters also said police were now investigating theft charges as well as murder charges.
“A case of theft has also been opened for investigation alongside the murder case following reports that a number of valuables and an undisclosed amount of cash were stolen.
“Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist in this investigation, to contact Honeydew police or their nearest police station, or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” she said.
Prince Lethukuthula’s death was announced on behalf of the king by former IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who is the king’s cousin.
The former IFP leader said arrangements for the funeral would be announced in due course.
“For now, our deepest sympathies and support are with His Majesty and the Royal Family.”
Prince Lethukuthula’s death comes at a time when the king was still in mourning after the death of his brother, Prince Mandla Zulu, who died in August, as well as the death of two princesses, Nobuhle and Busi, who lived at Mbelebeleni royal residence in KwaMashu, Durban.
It was not clear what had caused their deaths.
The king is also grieving the death of his sister, Queen Noloyiso Sandile (born princess Nomusa Zulu), who was the queen regent of the AmaRharhabe Monarch of Maxhob’ayakhawuleza Sandile in the Eastern Cape. |