Kaya 959 Reporter
Former leader of the AmaZulu regiments, Zihogo Maguzumela Nhleko, has passed away. His death was announced Injenje yabeNguni Council in the late hours of Monday.
Nhleko who was popularly known as Mgilija passed away at his ancestral home in Nongoma, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
He was the leader of the Zulu regiments until his expulsion in July 2021 after being accused by the AmaZulu royal house of leading Amabutho to Nkandla to support former President Jacob Zuma against his incarceration without being sanctioned by the royal house.
MEC of Arts and Culture Sport and Recreation in KZN has passed his condolences to the Zulu nation, saying: “It is with shock and sadness to learn of the passing of former leader of the AmaZulu regiments Zihogozelanga “Mgilija” Nhleko. We will remember him as one of our stakeholders during the preparations of commemorations such as the battle of Isandlwana and Umkhosi weLembe”
Also Read: Skhumba talks about the Zulu King’s funeral proceedings, and Loyisa Gola joins the Good Friday team.
Mgilija was known to be a staunch traditionalist, he made an even bigger name for himself when he meticulously commanded a legion of Zulu regiments during the burial of the late Zulu King.
Uwile umuthi omkhulu singabakwaZulu, sisemanzini💔
Uyidlalile indima yakho ebukhosini baKwaZulu Mgilija mfoka Nhleko.
Uqhubeke ulwe noma usokobabamkhulu, uvuse ibutho ufasimba balwe nalamambuka edayisa izwe lobabamkhulu!
Z’yahamba izinsizwa kuyosala izibongo! Zulu!#RIPMgiliji pic.twitter.com/MRmXRk2Jh0
— Former Kleva Black🇿🇦 🇿🇦 (@SneKhumaloSA) November 9, 2021
Also Read: WATCH: Zulu king briefs the media on the violence and looting in KZN
Scores of people have also paid a tribute to the Commander of Amabutho.
May your soul rest in eternal glory the Commander of Amabutho, uBab’ Mgilija Nhleko. You have ran your race, Nduna YaMabutho. Phumula Qhawe. RIP Soldier pic.twitter.com/MLtx29UirG
— “My friend, I am not your friend.” (@umbhaliwodumo) November 8, 2021
Ah Babu Nhleko Mgilija 💔
#Mgiliji #Amabutho pic.twitter.com/gKQSBPnVQW
— Siyabonga Mshibe (@SiyaMshibe) November 8, 2021
A proud Zulu man 🥺🥺 RIP Nhleko you’ve served the zulu nation with pride and humility. #Mgilija pic.twitter.com/yZl2DXFbUD
— Don_Mvelase 🇵🇸 (@C_Chamisto) November 8, 2021
RIP Mgilija Nhleko 💔 pic.twitter.com/6S7Yo7dY8p
— 🥇KETSO_4LIFE🥇 (@KETSO_4LIFE) November 8, 2021



