VhaVenda Kingship matter argued in Polokwane High Court

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The VhaVenda Kingship dispute has resumed in the Polokwane High Court in Limpopo.

The throne became vacant after Princess Masindi Mphephu-Ramabulana successfully challenged her uncle, Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana, in the Constitutional Court. Princess Mphephu-Ramabulana has been challenging Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana for the crown for years.

In 2016, she stopped his coronation ceremony after receiving a court interdict.

Princess Masindi Mphephu-Ramabulana’s lawyer, Allan Dodson, told the court that they would no longer represent Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana, who is implicated in VBS looting, as an argument to prove his disqualification to assume the kingship throne.

The report on the defunct bank’s plunder states that Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana had benefited from the looting.

Advocate Dodson explains: “There is a conditional application for leave to appeal against the judgment but the condition attached to it was that the application will only be pursued in the event that Princess Masindi is unsuccessful in these proceedings. The application will proceed on the basis that she is bound by the judgment, she will not seek to introduce any evidence, pertaining to the first respondent of alleged corruption and will not seek the development of customary law in this regard.”

Later on, genetic and DNA expert Dr Irma Ferreira took the stand. This, as Masindi’s legal representative attempted to prove to the court that by virtue of belonging in the Mphephu-Ramabulana bloodline, Princess Masindi Mphephu-Ramabulana has what is needed to ascend the throne.

“In this case the paternal DNA test from Masindi would come through Dembanyika, from Patrick, whereas on the other side on the female side, Masindi would have inherited DNA from her mother, Fhulefhelo. One would expect a higher likelihood of the DNA to be carried over.”

Both Toni Mphephu-Ramabulana and Princess Masindi Mphephu-Ramabulana are expected to testify this week.

Prince Mphephu-Ramabulana was stripped of his crown by the Supreme Court of Appeal in a judgment, which ordered the withdrawal of his recognition certificate five years ago.

The VhaVenda Kingship dispute is being heard before Judge President of the High Court in Limpopo, Judge George Phathudi, Judge Gerrit Muller and Judge Thogomelani Tshidada.

The matter has been set for a week.

Battle of VhaVenda throne back in court