ABATHEMBU king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has turned to public protector Thuli Madonsela to investigate President Jacob Zuma for abuse of power and improper conduct.
The complaint, authored by Dalindyebo, also requests Madonsela's office to investigate Zuma for maladministration and violating South Africa's constitution.
It follows a letter from Zuma last week giving Dalindyebo 30 days to tell him why he should not be deposed as a king.
In the letter, Zuma said he was acting after members of a group calling itself AbaThembu Royal Family asked him to invoke a certain clause of the Traditional Leadership Framework Act and dethrone Dalindyebo for his unbecoming behaviour.
Times Media has seen a copy of the letter from the public protector's office confirming receipt of the king's complaint.
"King Zwelibanzi's [Dalindyebo's praise name] complaint has been brought to the attention of the public protector ... who will communicate with his majesty in due course.
"In the letter, there is reference to submissions made by a concerned group of the AbaThembu Royal Family members as well as minutes of the meeting," the letter said.
Madonsela's spokesman, Oupa Sekgalwe, confirmed receipt of Dalindyebo's complaint.
"The complaint is against the government. The public protector is assessing the complaint with a view to establishing if the law allows her to investigate the matter," he said.
On Sunday, the AbaThembu nation, legal heavyweights and politicians are expected to gather at Enkululekweni Ministerial Complex to pledge their support for Dalindyebo.
DA provincial leader Athol Trollip said the party would send constituency leader Veliswa Mvenya to the meeting. Dalindyebo defected to the opposition party in December.
Dalindyebo's right-hand man, Prince Phandulwazi Mhlontlo, said the king was calm following receipt of Zuma's letter. "We know that these things are politically influenced," Mhlontlo said.
Regarding the Sunday gathering, he said Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, Labour Deputy Minister and AbaThembu chief Phathekile Holomisa, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, and former Safa vice-president Mwelo Nonkonyana would be among those in attendance.
The king's council and AmaDlomo royal clan spokesman, Chief Mfundo Mtirara, also confirmed the appointment of Advocate Dali Mpofu, East London-based Advocate Lwazi Kubukeli and Bangani Attorneys to lead his defence.
Legal fees would be paid by the king, royal family and the AmaDlomo and AbaThembu.
"It is not an issue of the king as an individual but of the nation, royal family and AmaDlomo royal clan.
"We have to do everything to ensure that our king is not touched," Mtirara said. - Loyiso Mpalantshane and Lulamile Feni