Police stop Mzilikazi Royal Kingdom solidarity vigil

Police have ordered the cancellation of a planned solidarity vigil organised in support of Mzilikazi Royal Kingdom leader King Bulelani kaLobengula Khumalo, citing security concerns.

The vigil was scheduled to take place outside the Bulawayo High Court on Monday, July 20, 2026.

In a letter dated July 16, 2026, addressed to Ibutho Lemagumeni chairperson Bigboy Sibanda, Bulawayo police said the planned gathering was not permitted under the provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11:23).

Following the directive, organisers announced that the event would no longer proceed and urged supporters to remain calm.

"The peaceful solidarity vigil that had been planned for Monday, 20 July 2026, outside the Bulawayo High Court, in support of King Bulelani kaLobengula Khumalo, will no longer take place," the organisers said in a statement.

They appealed to supporters not to attend the gathering and encouraged them to maintain peace and respect the law.

"Accordingly, all supporters are urged not to attend the gathering and to remain peaceful, orderly, and law-abiding," the statement added.

The Mzilikazi Royal Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to supporting King Bulelani kaLobengula Khumalo through lawful and peaceful channels, while thanking supporters for their understanding and cooperation.

The cancellation comes amid heightened public interest around the traditional leadership matter involving King Bulelani kaLobengula Khumalo, with authorities emphasising the need to maintain public order.