The acting Vhavenda king, Vho Mavhungu David Mphephu, has passed away.
Better known as Vho Japan, he passed away on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 after a long but unspecified illness. He had been in and out of hospital.
News of his death started doing the rounds on Wednesday afternoon, but the family only confirmed his passing late in the evening.
Royal family spokesperson Mr Ntsieni Ramabulana confirmed the news.
"As a family we can confirm that the old man is no more. He has been in and out of hospital for some time, but he sadly passed away peacefully at his home this afternoon. We are deeply saddened by his passing as a family. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course," he said.
Vho Japan made headlines in 2022 when the Ramabulana royal family appointed him as acting king of the Vhavenda nation. His appointment was based on his age and experience in traditional governance, having previously served as an adviser to former kings.
However, his appointment was never officially recognised by the Limpopo provincial government. In December 2022, the High Court dismissed the royal family's application to force the government to recognise him as acting king.
He was to serve in this position until such time as the courts have provided clarity on the kingship issue, which is being contested in court by Princess Masindi Mphephu and her cousin Toni Mphephu.
Most recently, in January 2025, Vho Japan testified in the ongoing kingship court case as one of the most senior traditional leaders of the Vhavenda.