AbaThembu nation's acting King Azenathi Dalindyebo briefly appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm.

Azenathi was arrested on Thursday for allegedly attacking his father King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo's advisor, Babalo Papu, on Tuesday.

Papu approached the police on Wednesday to open a criminal case after he was allegedly assaulted by some members of the royal family, including Azenathi.

Azenathi's court appearance comes exactly a week after his father, Buyelekhaya, appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court for assault.

The assault case was opened by Azenathi on 13 March after Buyelekhaya allegedly trespassed on the Bumbane Great Place palace, outside Mthatha, and allegedly used an axe to attack Azenathi at around 03:00.