Reports have come in that the Zulu nation’s traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has been hospitalised.
But in response to a iReport South Africa query, the Prince of KwaPhindangene’s press officer and spokesperson, Liezl Van der Merwe, confirmed that Buthelezi had been hospitalised but denied that he was critically ill.
“Prince Buthelezi was admitted for routine tests and treatment for prolonged back pain.He underwent a small procedure for back pain management. Although he was discharged, he unfortunately needed to be readmitted for further treatment and recovery,” read the statement.
Sources close to the royal family had said that Buthelezi was critically ill and at some stage was unable to talk properly.
Van der Merwe attributed the persistent back pain to the Prince’s age, adding that at almost 95 years old, his back was really troubling him.