[2][3] Mahlangu was reportedly abducted by two men, Qethuka Sgombeni Dlamini and Tulujani Sikhondze, and was brought to live at the Ludzidzini Royal Village as a liphovela (fiancée) of King Mswati III, who had seen her perform at the annual Reed Dance and later met her at a palace function in September 2002.
[7][8] The matter was brought before the High Court of Swaziland, but the Attorney General Phesheya Mbongeni Dlamini intervened, allowing Mswati III to marry Mahlangu.
[5] The royal family repeatedly ignored the court during the case, refusing on multiple occasions to allow court-appointed women to interview Mahlangu to determine whether or not she wanted to marry the king.
[5] Trade unionists, opposition groups, civic officials, human rights activists, and lawyers condemned the royal family's actions.
"[5] Vulindlela Msibi, the president of the Human Rights Association of Swaziland, wrote a letter to Mswati III saying, "Such a practice, Your Majesty, is degrading, dehumanizing and traumatic to the dignity and person of women folk.