Fraud investigation divide royal family

THE state of affairs around the KwaDube royal family at eMabhuyeni has become more intense, with clan members nervously waiting for the outcome of the fraud investigation by the Hawks, against the newly appointed chief Musawenkosi Dube.

Musawenkosi was appointed to take over power following the sudden passing of the acting chief Charles Chili earlier this year, while Hendrick Mahlawula took the role of the acting council administrator.

Before he could officially assume leadership, community members and Imvukuzane traditional leader Nkunzebomvu Jiyane requested for an investigation to be conducted over the alleged misuse of R17.5-million donated by Richards Bay Minerals.

‘We want to know what happened to the money and if Musawenkosi was involved in the maladministration of funds.

‘We don’t have anything against him, but we want our new chief to be cleared on the matter before he can officially take over,’ said Jiyane.

KwaDube family spokesperson Bhekumuzi Dube also confirmed that Musawenkosi is being investigated regarding the funds. However, the family did not want to be involved or comment on the matter.

‘The family is aware of the investigation but we don’t want to include ourselves in it,’ said Bhekumuzi.

Appointed chief Musawenkosi said the investigation is ‘just a waste of time’ because he was not directly involved when the funds were released.

‘I don’t know why the investigation is directed to me, rather than Chili and the former project manager Hendrick Mahlawula.

‘All documents were approved by them as leaders,’ said Musawenkosi, adding that the matter has divided the family.

Hendrick Mahlawula told the Zululand Observer he did not want to be involved in this matter, and was not being investigated because he was not authorised to deal with or release any money.

‘I was just a project manager and know nothing about the money,’ said Mahlawula.

Cogta provincial communications manager Vernon Mchunu could not confirm the status of the investigation.

‘As the department we can’t be involved in the investigation allegations, but what I can say is that we are still waiting for His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelethini to announce a date when Musawenkosi will officially take power,’ said Mchunu.