King Misuzulu’s bid to maintain his reign against his half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, may be adversely affected by his outstanding legal fees of nearly R20 million, which are owed to his previous legal firm, Strauss Daly. Notably, the legal firm has declined to surrender the file to the new legal team until such time as the outstanding amount has been paid in full. This situation could have significant implications for the King’s legal defense.
During a recent interview with the Daily News, Andile Khoza, an attorney at Strauss Daly, expressed his firm’s desire to assist the king due to their positive relationship. However, Khoza noted that it is regrettable that the law prohibits the firm from disclosing the file until the outstanding bill has been completely resolved. According to Khoza, lawyers are safeguarded by a legal concept of property known as lien, which enables them to retain the file until the client has settled all outstanding charges.
He further stated that the decision was not within their jurisdiction as lawyers, and once the client terminates the firm’s services, the credit control department takes charge of ensuring that the company’s finances are in order. Therefore, the file is still in their possession, and the new king’s attorneys can only obtain it if the king settles the bill.
Unfortunately, the only viable option available to us was to relinquish control to our credit control department, as the legal matter at hand was no longer within the purview of our legal team. As Khoza aptly noted, it is ultimately necessary for lawyers to receive compensation for the services they provide to their clients. The aforementioned individual proceeded to articulate that the sum of R8 million which the aforementioned enterprise had invoiced the monarch was intended to cover all of their completed undertakings up until the month of January in the prior year. It was also added that the quantum of the invoice that was yet to be issued, subsequent to the aforementioned date and up until the point in time when their services were eventually terminated last week, would be in excess of twice the aforementioned figure.
The newly appointed legal representatives of the monarch will endeavor to persuade the Gauteng High Court, situated in Pretoria, on the upcoming Wednesday, as to why the proceedings that were slated to commence should be delayed. The absence of crucial information contained in the file held by Strauss Daly presents a challenge for the defense team in presenting their argument. The trial, originally scheduled from Wednesday to Friday, was postponed due to the new legal team’s request for a delay.
The king’s representative, Prince Africa Zulu of Onkweni Residence, recently consulted with Strauss Daly regarding the outstanding files of affidavits. Strauss Daly informed him that they were prepared to deliver all files as soon as the total legal bill was paid. As a result, Prince Africa Zulu, acting as a royal agent of His Majesty, urges the relevant authorities to prioritize the matter’s resolution, as it is critical for the new legal team’s ability to defend the king.