The Zulu royal family has broken its silence on the circulating voice recording where King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was involved in a verbal altercation with one of his sisters.

Although it was unclear when the incident took place, the recording started circulating on Friday, with no immediate reaction from the royal family or the king himself.

In the short statement released by the royal family on Monday, it said it acknowledges the audio recording, however, cautions the public that the matter is a private family issue and will be addressed internally by the royal elders.

The royal family said it was evident that the recording was made without consent and is now being used as part of a broader campaign to damage the King’s reputation ahead of an upcoming court case.

“We urge the public to approach such material with caution, as it lacks full context and is intended to mislead. The Royal Family remains committed to unity and resolving internal matters with dignity. Once all the facts have been gathered, the appropriate steps will be taken. We request privacy and respect during this time,” read the statement.

In the recording, the king is heard in a verbal fight with his sister, who is believed to be Princess Nomkhosi Zulu. It is unclear what could have sparked the argument, however, the king is heard threatening to have her arrested. The king is heard more than once shouting Nomkhosi, get out! Get out! In my sitting room. The woman is heard telling the king to repeat what he said which suggested that she was recording him. The king is also pronouncing unprintable words which carry an insult

A source within the royal family said the king has not been on good terms with his biological siblings to the point that he has not been living in Kwakhangelamankengane royal palace to avoid them. The source said through the appointment of the royal chancellor, who is also personal advisor to the king, Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo, the king had started reconciling with his siblings and had returned to the palace to be with them

willem.phungula@inl.co.za