A trial involving two feuding factions of the Nazareth – also known as the Shembe – Church has been delayed.
|||A trial involving two feuding factions of the Nazareth – also known as the Shembe – Church was delayed in the Durban High Court on Tuesday.
SC Rajesh Choundre brought new evidence that he said would affect the testimony of general secretary of the Shembe Church, Chance Sibisi.
On Friday Sibisi told the court the wife of the late leader, Ndlunkulu KaMaseko, knew the name of the person he had nominated to lead the church.
Sibisi testified that she had told him: “The letter that was delivered to attorney Zwelabantu Buthelezi on March 16 holds the name of the leader. I will say it with great respect, it's Vela Shembe.”
Choundre wants attorney Dustan Farrel to testify and he also wants the court to view a DVD recording.
“Attorney Farrel has a wealth of information regarding the history of the church,” Choundre said.
Archie Findlay, SC, for Vela Shembe, argued that it was only fair he view the evidence brought by Choundre before it was presented to the court.
The Shembe Church has been embroiled in a leadership battle since the death of its late leader Vimbeni Shembe. He was the leader of the largest faction Last month, the court heard that – according to a will – Vimbeni chose his cousin Vela Shembe as his successor.
However, some senior leaders of the church want Vimbeni's son Mduduzi to take the reins.
The matter was adjourned for lunch. – Sapa