WATCH: Police prepare for King Goodwill Zwelithini’s funeral

Ahead of the royal burial for His Majesty King Zwelithini kaDinizulu, members of the SAPS have started preparations for the funeral parade, set to take place on Friday morning.

Even though details of the funeral have not been released, it is presumed it will be a state funeral. Apart from strict restrictions due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this burial is set to differ from traditional state funerals because of the deceased’s status.

Sources indicate it will likely include the benefits of a state funeral, such as gun salutes, street lining, a guard of honour, the playing of the national anthem, and a carriage to carry the coffin.

Alongside this, there will also be the traditional royal Zulu burial customs, such as the symbolic return of the soul to the ancestral home, and the ritualistic slaughtering of animals.

The ox skin will most likely be used to cover the coffin, if not a leopard skin – the royal attire only worn by kings. Expected to be part of the funeral proceedings are members of the royal family, traditional leaders, chiefs, a traditional praise poet, and warriors.