In a dramatic turn of events, a member of the Matsila royal family who allegedly attempted to crown himself as Thovhele of the Matsila community last year has appeared in court on charges relating to the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.
The charges were laid by the Masia Royal Family and Thovhele Nthumeni Masia, who had pressured the police to arrest Vhamusanda Vho Norman Matsila.
The conflict between the Masia and Matsila royal families dates back several years. On 7 December last year, a coronation was planned, and former President Jacob Zuma was reportedly invited as a guest of honour. Rumours at the time suggested that Norman Matsila had visited Zuma's Nkandla homestead several times to seek his support.
This development angered the Masia Royal Family, prompting Thovhele Nthumeni Masia to issue a statement distancing himself from the event.
Thovhele Masia laid charges against Norman Matsila in December 2024, and Matsila was finally arrested on Monday, 10 March. He appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate's Court the following day, and the case was postponed to 30 April. He was released on warning.
Thovhele Masia welcomed the court proceedings. "We reported the case in December 2024, but nothing was done about it," he said. In a statement released on Monday, the Masia Traditional Council described Norman Matsila as "an impostor who masquerades as a senior traditional leader."
The council maintains that the Matsila area falls under the Masia Traditional Authority. "In keeping with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019, which prohibits individuals from claiming to be traditional leaders when they are not, the council reported the matter to the SAPS," the statement reads.
"While the council is concerned about the slow pace of the arrest, this step is a move in the right direction. It will not only deter other impostors from such behaviour but will also eliminate the confusion that undermines Vhavenda traditions," the statement continues.
The statement also reveals that the council had lost patience and staged a demonstration at the police station, demanding action. "The council had resolved to stay at the station overnight if necessary, until the suspect was arrested," it said.
"This arrest is a victory not only for the Masia Traditional Council but for the entire traditional-leadership institution, which is under threat from individuals who seek fame at the expense of our culture, customs, and traditions," Thovhele Masia said. "We will continue to work with law enforcement to put an end to this deviant behaviour."
Reacting after his court appearance, Vhamusanda Vho Norman Matsila expressed surprise at being summoned to the police station and charged.
"The truth is, Masia wronged us as a royal family. In 2014, he installed the wrong person as chief. You cannot install the son of an acting chief when the sons of the late chief are alive and of age. He is interfering in our family's affairs," Matsila said.
"By the way, I did not install myself as a traditional leader. This is a family matter, and the correct protocols were followed before I was installed. We are confident that the truth will come out in court," he added.