The ongoing drama in the Zulu royal household has taken a new twist as Queen Ntokozo Mayisela-Zulu, the first wife of King Misuzulu, has filed urgent court papers to halt his upcoming traditional wedding to Queen Nomzamo Myeni.

The legal challenge highlights a complex interplay of civil and customary marriage laws in South Africa.

Court Intervention to Stop the Wedding

Queen Ntokozo’s court application, filed on 10 January at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, argues that her civil marriage to the king, registered as a marriage in community of property, prevents him from entering into another union.

The queen seeks a court order to interdict the traditional wedding scheduled for 26 January, emphasizing that South African law prohibits simultaneous marriages under civil union regulations.

In the court documents, Queen Ntokozo stated:

“I submit that I am currently married to the respondent (king) under civil marriage and our marriage is in community of property. My husband cannot enter into (a) a civil marriage and/or (b) a customary marriage whilst our civil marriage still subsists.”

Allegations of Bigamy

The queen further contends that King Misuzulu’s plans to marry another woman amount to bigamy. South African law explicitly states that an individual married under civil law cannot take on a second spouse. She argued that proceeding with the traditional wedding would render the new union “null and void” in legal terms.

“I humbly submit that should the respondent proceed with the arrangement and the ceremony as he intends, he will be committing bigamy,” the court papers read.

Legal Confirmation and Royal Silence

Melusi Xulu of Donda Attorneys, representing Queen Ntokozo, confirmed that the interdict against the wedding was filed due to the legal constraints imposed by their existing civil marriage.

“The king is married in a civil marriage, so he can’t have another marriage while his marriage still exists,” Xulu explained.

Attempts to contact the king’s spokesperson, Prince Simphiwe Zulu, for a comment were unsuccessful, as he reportedly declined multiple calls.

Royal Wedding Amid Tension

King Misuzulu had planned to celebrate his union with Queen Nomzamo Myeni in a traditional wedding ceremony later this month. However, the legal roadblock highlights tensions not only within the royal family but also raises questions about the intersection of modern civil law and traditional practices in South Africa.

The king’s marital disputes are not unprecedented, as questions about his personal life have surfaced repeatedly in recent years. These issues have led to widespread public interest and debate about Zulu culture and how it coexists with contemporary legal systems.

Broader Implications

This case is set to test the balance between traditional customs and modern legal frameworks in South Africa. While polygamy is recognized in customary law, it cannot override the constraints of civil marriage. The royal household has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter, leaving the public eager to see how the courts will address this complex issue.

For now, all eyes remain on the Pietermaritzburg High Court as Queen Ntokozo fights to assert her legal rights in this royal saga.