The Twelfth Wife of King Mswati III of eSwatini has Died
Nothando Dube, formally known as Inkhosikati LaDube, lost her battle with skin cancer.
The Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) is in mourning after the passing of King Mswati III's twelfth wife, Nothando Dube. Her death follows the tragic suicide of King Mswati III's eighth wife, Senteni Masango, last year.
Dube, who was being treated for skin cancer at a hospital in South Africa, was 31-years-old when she passed away. According to the SABC, the news was announced on eSwatini Broadcasting and Information Services by the traditional governor of the king's palace.
It has been reported that Dube will be laid to rest on Sunday.
King Mswati III obtained a new bride in then 19-year-old Siphelele Mashwama, the daughter of his cabinet minister, Jabulile Mashwama, back in 2017. At that time, Mashwama became the king's fourteenth wife although it is claimed that at present, he now has fifteen wives in total.
The monarchy, as is the case with so many others, has been accused of living a lavish lifestyle and spending millions of dollars over the past few years whilst the country is battling with poverty and inequality. It didn't help that on the king's 50th birthday last year, he wore a suit decked out in diamonds and a watch worth USD 1.6 million.