CHIEF DEFIES COURT ORDER

THE controversial installation of a chief at Ezikhotheni went ahead over the weekend, despite a court ruling that it should not to allow the warring factions to resolve differences.

Chief Zwide was officially crowned Chief of Ezikhotheni in an occasion that was attended by the police and traditional authorities.
“We had no alternative but to continue with the event despite being served with the court order,” the new chief said when addressing journalists.
In the legal wrangle, Chief Zwide was first to file an application to bar a faction led by former Acting Chief Bernard Nxumalo from attending the occasion.
He suspected that Bernard, who had already protested his installation, would disrupt the proceedings.
However, when Bernard filed a counterclaim, Nhlangano Senior Magistrate Peter Simelane ruled in his favour and ordered that the sibhimbi should stop.
Chief Zwide, a police officer by profession said the court order stopping the ceremony was served on him on Friday, afternoon and by that time it was already late to reverse it.
“People should not think that we were disrespected the court order. We had to continue because it was too late for us to approach the court on Friday,” said Zwide.
The chief said they elders had also consulted some traditional structures who advised that the occasion should go ahead.
“The country’s authorities were also present. Who then can rule against what the authorities in the land have blessed?”
The chief scoffed at suggestions that he had undermined the rule of law.
“The fact that we consulted with the elders at Ludzidzini, is enough to convince all that we followed all the procedures. He said the mandate to continue received all the royal blessings,” said Chief Zwide.
The chief said he was looking forward to lead the area with peace. He further appealed for support from all his subjects.
Various princes and princesses attended Saturday’s occasion where the chief was officially given the right to lead.
The occasion was held at Chief Zwide’s parental home, much against the aspirations of Benard Nxumalo.

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