Former VhaVenda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana has told the High Court in Polokwane, Limpopo, that the king’s right-hand man, or ‘ndumi’ can ascend the throne if the king dies without a successor.

Mphephu Ramabulana has said that the position of a ‘ndumi’ is dissolved and a prince becomes eligible for selection to ascend the throne.

He was a ‘ndumi’ to his late brother king, Dimbanyika Mphephu who is also the father of his challenger, Princess Masindi Mphephu.

Mphephu Ramabulana was led in the cross-examination by his lawyer, Advocate Shoni Ravele.

“Same applies to us who were ndumi and aunties everything was reversed and then we went back to being prince and princess.”

Mphephu Ramabulana also said that the Mphephu customs don’t prohibit a king’s right-hand man from becoming a king.

“There is nothing that disqualifies a ndumi to become king but the process is that there has to be a reversal and they will be chosen again, amongst other princes and they also need to check with the next house or family in the lineage.”