The passing of beloved Ukhozi FM presenter, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, has sparked a bitter feud between two prominent traditional healers, Bhaka "King Bhaka" Nzama and Dr Khehlelezi. The controversy stems from Dr Khehlelezi's prophecy that two Ukhozi FM presenters would die this year, a prediction made after Zanele's public lung cancer diagnosis in May.
Bhaka Nzama, a Durban-based inyanga, known for his short-lived relationship with singer Kelly Khumalo, has accused Dr Khehlelezi of opportunism, claiming he used publicly available information to masquerade it as prophecy.
"Dr Khehlelezi made the prophecy when it was already public knowledge that Zanele had been diagnosed with lung cancer," Bhaka said. "He's using this tragic situation for his own gain."
Bhaka, who rose to fame after his relationship with Kelly Khumalo became public in 2015, has urged people to keep their illnesses secret to avoid such opportunist prophets.
"Zanele's family was honest in telling the nation about her condition, not knowing that opportunists would use it to claim they are prophesying," he added. "It's a violation of the doctor-patient, or inyanga-patient confidentiality, meant to avoid those who claim they prophesied from having assurance."
Bhaka further emphasized the importance of respecting a patient's privacy, especially during a difficult time like battling cancer.
"Everyone knows that cancer is dangerous, but no one is allowed to tell a cancer patient that they are going to die," he said. "Even doctors, who previously told people how long they would live with cancer, are not allowed to do so because it puts pressure on the patient."
He questioned the validity of Dr Khehlelezi's prophecy, pointing out that other presenters at Ukhozi FM are not dying. "When the nation was informed that Zanele was ill, everyone was supposed to support her and the family, not spread fake prophecies," Bhaka said. "When Zanele was discharged from the hospital, she said she had heard about the fake prophecies."
Dr Khehlelezi, whose real name is not mentioned, has declined to comment on the accusations, stating he doesn't want to engage in anything related to Bhaka.
Bhaka Nzama, who gained notoriety for his tumultuous relationship with Kelly Khumalo, was allegedly assaulted by the singer in 2015 after he refused to leave his wife for her. The incident, which occurred at a hotel before the Metro FM Awards, involved Kelly Khumalo throwing a punch at Bhaka, injuring his eye.
Despite Kelly Khumalo's denial of the relationship, the pair were spotted together on numerous occasions in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal. Their romantic rendezvous took a turn for the worse when witnesses observed them arguing, with Bhaka confirming that Kelly Khumalo had indeed assaulted him.
The incident, which mirrored the events leading to the tragic death of Senzo Meyiwa, who was shot dead at Kelly Khumalo's family home, fuelled speculation about the singer's tumultuous relationships.
