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- Prince Lethukuthula Zulu was the first-born son and eldest child of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Sibongile MaDlamini.
- According to the Daily Sun, his death may have been as a result of criminal activity.
- Gauteng police say information is still sketchy and a probe into the circumstances is under way.
The Zulu Royal Family has announced the death of Prince Lethukuthula Zulu, the first-born son and eldest child of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Queen Sibongile MaDlamini.
In a statement, MP and traditional prime minister to King Zwelithini, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, said: "It is with utmost pain and sadness that we announce the passing away of His Royal Highness Prince Lethukuthula Zulu."
According to the Daily Sun, his death may have been as a result of criminal activity.
The report states Zulu's body was found by security personnel at the complex where he lived in Northwold, Johannesburg.
Several neighbours reported hearing a commotion which happened at his flat in the early hours of Friday morning, and a window being broken.
"The Zulu Royal Family and the Zulu nation grieve this sudden and unexpected loss," said Buthelezi.
"Arrangements for the funeral will be announced in due course. For now, our deepest sympathies and support are with His Majesty and the Royal Family."
In a statement on Saturday, Gauteng police said they were not at liberty to disclose or confirm the identity of the deceased.
They could, however, confirm that an inquest docket had been opened for further investigation at the Honeydew Police Station following an incident on Friday, where security guards discovered the body of a man at his place of residence at Graceland Residential Complex in Northwold.
The guards also found the deceased's friend sleeping in another bedroom.
"Information at this stage is still sketchy and police are probing the circumstances that may have led to the death of the man.
"A postmortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death," provincial spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said.
