DURBAN - "Every household has its issues."
That was the response from the Zulu royal household following online backlash over a viral video showing a heated verbal outburst by AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini directed to his fourth wife, Nomzamo Myeni-Zulu.
In the leaked video, which has been widely circulated on social media, the King is heard insulting Myeni-Zulu before ordering her to leave the Khangelamankengane Royal Palace.
It is unclear when the video was recorded or what prompted the confrontation.
The King, who appears to be intoxicated and holding a bottle of alcohol, is also heard making disparaging remarks about the leader of the Shembe church and telling Myeni-Zulu that he will no longer provide her with financial support.
Before the video ends, Myeni-Zulu, who appears to be recording the incident, says this is her daily reality.
The King's spokesperson, Mpiyakhe Buthelezi, urged the public to respect the royal family's privacy, describing the incident as a domestic matter that should not have been made public.
"Every household has its issues," Buthelezi told eNCA.
"What happened in the video I saw was that we must respect the rights of a married couple. The person who leaked this video must remember we are all Africans; we understand that every household has its issues. We need to respect people's privacy. It's unfortunate that some people decided to leak the video.
"As Africans, we would also like to apologise to the leader of the Shembe church, as unsavoury things were said about him. As the AmaZulu nation, we apologise profusely."