CONTROVERSIAL ZIMBABWEAN PROPHET DEFENDS KINGSHIP DURING LOZITHA CHURCH SERVICE

Ubert Angel, the controversial Zimbabwean prophet implicated in Aljazeera’s Gold Mafia documentary, warned against efforts to remove King Mswati III from power during a sermon at Lozitha Palace’s Mandvulo Hall on Saturday. The sermon was part of an end-of-year church service hosted by King Mswati, with Angel as the featured preacher.

“The Bible is simply saying the idea to put down and to remove a King comes from the devil,” Angel declared, reinforcing the monarch’s authority and aligning his message with the King’s narrative. His remarks come as Eswatini continues to face growing calls for democratic reforms, with pro-democracy activists demanding an end to absolute monarchy.

The Prophet, who has faced allegations of smuggling gold and featured prominently in the Gold Mafia investigation, also made a controversial theological claim, stating, “When God created the universe and/or heaven and earth, He started in Eswatini.” The assertion, though unsubstantiated, appeared aimed at elevating Eswatini’s significance on a divine scale.

King Mswati has often relied on religious rhetoric to justify his reign, blending spiritual narratives with political control to consolidate his authority. Angel’s comments align with this approach, portraying any opposition to the monarchy as contrary to divine will.

The invitation extended to Angel, despite his controversial reputation, has raised eyebrows among critics who question the appropriateness of hosting a figure accused of international corruption at a time when Eswatini faces its own governance and economic crises. The Kingdom is grappling with widespread poverty, unemployment, and a failing health system, fueling resentment among citizens who see the monarchy as prioritizing its interests over national well-being.

For many Swazis, Angel’s remarks and his presence at Lozitha symbolize the monarchy’s increasing reliance on external figures to legitimize its rule. Pro-democracy groups argue that such gestures do little to address the country’s systemic issues, instead serving as distractions from the real challenges facing the nation.

As calls for reform grow louder, the intersection of religion and politics in Eswatini remains a contentious issue. While figures like Angel bolster the King’s narrative, critics maintain that the country’s future lies not in divine intervention but in addressing the demands of its people for democracy, accountability, and justice.