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King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana.
A member of the Vhavenda royal family and defence witness in the court battle for the throne is expected to continue on the witness stand in the High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Thursday.
When the matter adjourned on Tuesday, Elisah Mashamba told the court that the late King, Patrick Ramaano Mphephu, had not chosen Princess Masindi Mphephu’s mother, Fulufhelo, to be a dzekiso wife to his son, King Tshimangadzo Dimbanyika Mphephu.
A “dzekiso” wife is a woman identified as being capable of bearing an heir. Princess Masindi Mphephu is challenging her uncle and former King, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, to ascend the throne.
Mashamba told the court that Princess Masindi Mphephu’s mother wasn’t married to bear an heir. She has also said that the princess cannot ascend the throne as she’s a woman.
Mashamba was testifying under cross-examination by the applicant’s lawyer, Advocate Alan Dodson.
Mashamba has said that according to the Vhavenda customs, only males can ascend the throne. The throne battle has been ongoing since 2012.
VIDEO | Delving deeper into the Vhavenda Kigship court battle:
