Zulu King's Royal Outburst Caught on Leaked Video

South Africa's Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has expressed profound regret following the circulation of a leaked video capturing him verbally assaulting one of his wives, Queen Nomzamo Myeni. The footage depicted the king threatening physical harm, accusing the queen of an affair, and demanding she vacate their residence.

The queen, who appeared to be filming the video, remained silent until the end, stating, "This is the life I live, day and night." The king's office issued a statement on Friday, acknowledging that the king's outburst caused significant distress within royal and Zulu communities. They emphasized that the recordings are historical and do not represent the current situation in the Royal Household.

In the video, King Misuzulu criticized his wife, whom he married in November of the previous year, for leaving without his permission. He stated, "She's out there without my permission. When you're a wife, you ask for permission. At least let your husband know." He also mentioned having a girlfriend waiting for him before telling the queen, "I want you out."

The Zulu king, revered as the "lion of the nation," plays a ceremonial but influential role, overseeing traditions central to royal success, including marriage and polygamy. While his position is largely symbolic, he commands a multi-million dollar annual government budget. Zulu society is deeply patriarchal, adhering to traditional gender norms, and South Africa grapples with high rates of violence against women, which was classified as a "national disaster" last year.