The new King of amaMpondo, Zanozuko Sigcau, is in hiding following an attempt on his life.
The police’s Captain Mduduzi Godlwana said three men opened fire at the king’s homestead in Flagstaff on Wednesday, after a black BMW dropped them off near his home.
No one was injured and no arrest had been made.
The king’s family were under police guard.
Godlwana said the situation in the area was tense following the incident.
Sigcau was recognised as the legitimate King of the amaMpondo by the Nhlapo Commission in July.
This made him senior to both the ailing Eastern Pondoland King Mpondombini Sigcau and Western Pondoland King Ndamase Ndamase.
President Jacob Zuma made the announcement as part of findings of the Commission, which led to six of 12 traditional kingships in South Africa no longer being recognised once the respective incumbent monarchs had died.
The announcement raised concern and divided the Pondo people over their kingship.
Captain Godlwana said police had been deployed to monitor the situation in the area.
