Zulu throne feud

A royal family feud intensified in South Africa yesterday after rival factions refused to recognise the new heir to the Zulu throne. Prince Misuzulu Zulu was named as the new king in his mother’s will, triggering chaos in the palace and clashes with bodyguards on Friday. Since the death of 72-year-old King Goodwill Zwelithini in March, after almost 50 years of rule, a turbulent succession battle has raged. The crown was first handed to Queen Shiyiwe

Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, one of the former king’s six wives. But the 65-year-old died after just a month in power. The title is largely a ceremonial role, but one with great significance for South Africa and its 12 million Zulu people, not least because the royal family claims a £3.5 million ($6.72m) stipend from South African taxpayers.