By Lebone Rodah Mosima
A traditional leader who is on bail in a sexual assault case is to be investigated by KZN Cogta over further sexual assault and misconduct allegations.
Cogta said on Tuesday it had received numerous letters of complaint since March 2025 about Inkosi Minenhle Mthembu of the KwaSomopho Traditional Community in the King Cetshwayo District.
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Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi instituted the independent investigation after meeting Mthembu’s family and “assessing evidence” submitted to the department, it said.
“This process is being undertaken in terms of Section 23 of the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act to test the veracity of the allegations levelled against the Inkosi,” the department said.
Section 23 of the Act deals with inquiries into misconduct.
The investigation will examine allegations of sexual assault against Mthembu’s sister and a KZN Cogta employee.
Also to be investigated are breaches of the code of conduct for traditional leaders, failure to work with izinduna in the daily functioning of the Somopho Traditional Court, and substance abuse and disorderly conduct in public, the department said.
Cogta said last month that Mthembu appeared in court on charges of attempted rape and indecent conduct, and was eventually granted bail. That court case does not form part of the investigation, according to the department.
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“In terms of the law, the MEC for Cogta has a statutory duty to uphold and maintain the dignity, integrity, and decorum of the institution of Traditional Leadership in KwaZulu-Natal,” the department said.
“MEC Buthelezi remains resolute that in instances where the code of conduct is violated, the department will intervene decisively, without fear or favour.”
The outcome of the investigation would be conveyed “in due course”, said the department.