Breaking News: King Goodwill Zwelithini has passed away

He was aged 72. 

In a statement, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the king passed away in hospital. 

READ: King Goodwill Zwelithini calls for end to GBV

Buthelezi, who is the Prime Minister for the Zulu Monarch says the king passed away in the early hours of this morning after his situation took a turn for the worst. 

Zwelithini was admitted into ICU in a Zululand hospital to treat his diabetes last month. 

Zwelithini was hospitalised after he experienced "several unstable" glucose level readings.

"On behalf of the Royal Family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in these most difficult times," says Buthelezi. 

Meanwhile, South Africans have been posting heartfelt tributes online to the Zulu kingdom's longest-serving monarch. Some say he was loved and respected for his quiet nature and that he taught people to embrace their African culture. 

This is a developing story.