Swazi court rules on burial row

Melinah and Jumaima have been in a mourning hut for nearly five years

Swaziland's Supreme Court has overturned a royal edict to allow two widows to bury their husband with his ancestors, after a five-year dispute.

King Mswati III had ruled that Mzikayise Ntshangase could not be buried on his homestead when he lost the chieftancy to his brother.

Ntshangase's body has been at a funeral home since he died in 2002.

Tradition has meant his widows are in limbo, unable to leave the mourning hut or cook for themselves until a burial.

Royal protocol deemed that Mr Ntshangase lost his burial rights after his brother's social status was elevated by marrying a princess.

His body, which has shrunk over the intervening years, remained at Mbabane Burial Society.

Lindimpi Ntshangase, the son of the late chief, told the BBC's Thulani Mthethwa at the court that he was very happy.

"Now my father will be buried at Mkhwakhweni."

Mario Masuku, of Swaziland's opposition Pudemo party said justice had to be seen to be done.

"This was against the fundamental human rights in the first place and in view of the public interest, the judges saw it fit that they dismiss the appeal. And I think it is a victory for the oppressed people, it is victory for justice in the kingdom."

No date has yet been set for the burial.