An inquest docket has been opened following the death of Chief Daludumo Mtirara who was found dead at his Littleton home in Pretoria‚ police said on Friday.

Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said: “A firearm was found near the deceased. At this stage no foul play is suspected.”

Mtirara was the spokesperson of a faction of the royal family opposed to the crowning of the son of jailed AbaThembu king Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.

Mtirara backed the king’s brother to act in Dalindyebo’s capacity.

Masondo said: “Family members alerted the police after discovering the body of the deceased at about six this morning. Upon arrival police saw the body of the deceased lying on his bed with a gun wound on his upper body.”