EXILED MTFUSO FREE TO RETURN TO KAMKHWELI

KAMKHWELI – Chief Mshengu of KaMkhweli and Macetjeni has spoken publicly for the first time following reports that a faction supporting deposed chief Mtfuso is rehabilitating his old residence in preparation for his return.

The chief spoke in what many saw as a reconciliatory tone meant to extend an olive branch to the faction that has been disputing his legitimacy ever since he took over the reins some years ago. Addressing about 1 000 people during a mass meeting at KaMkhweli Royal Kraal on Saturday, Chief Mshengu stated that the deposed chief was free to return to the area. However, the chief did not state whether the deposed chief would assume his previous position upon returning or he would just be an ordinary citizen. He only told residents that Mtfuso was free to return just like all his supporters who were evicted and later allowed to return to their homes.Inkhosi ayingitfumanga kutobulala bantfu (The King did not send me to destroy others),”said the young chief. He told residents that sometime ago, he had constant meetings with the wife of the deposed chief, whom he identified as LaMtsetfwa.

He said during their discussions, the wife of the deposed chief would plead on behalf of her husband and she would declare their support for the incumbent traditional authority. “I would tell her that I did not want to discuss the matter in his (Mtfuso) absence hence she should come back with Nkenke (another name of Mtfuso),”said Chief Mshengu. He further told his subjects that all supporters of the deposed chief were currently residing happily in their homes, further stating that it was Mtfuso who had elected to remain in exile. The chief further said that he had heard reports about people who were rehabilitating the old residence of the deposed chief. He stated that he had also been told that some of the people who were found rehabilitating the old royal kraal had disowned him when they were questioned by the police. “Batsi kukhona lofike watsi ngubani Mshengu. Asimati lomuntfu loyo tsine,” said the chief.

He stated that he was surprised because he recently dealt with some matters of the individual who reportedly disowned him. “The question I had was; since when does that person not know me?” wondered Chief Mshengu. The chief spoke for slightly over an hour and his speech was punctuated with anecdotes. KaMkhweli Headman, Tikhontele Ngcamphalala, told journalists after the meeting that the chief had called the meeting to address residents on various issues but mainly the issue of the faction that he said was destabilising the area. It is understood that traditional authorities of the area have opened their arms for the return of the deposed chief but they first want him to follow the right procedure. “He should first have an audience with Their Majesties so that it could be explained to him that he would return as a chief or as an ordinary resident,” said a member of inner council.

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