Two groups sought Shembe power

 Two groups of people sought to have influence over decisions made by the deceased leader of the Shembe Church, the Durban High Court heard on Monday.

“What I get is that since 2007 there have been two groups of people wanting to have influence over decisions made by the late leader?” Judge Achmat Jappie asked church member Langelihle Dube.

Dube replied that there were people who had not liked Vimbeni Shembe's decisions.

“They were unhappy with attorney Zwelabantu Buthelezi and general secretary Chancy Sibisi working closely with the late leader.”

Dube told the court that Sibisi was unpopular among some people in the church and was like a “skunk”.

“They felt Sibisi was free to do as he pleases with the power of attorney. They also did not like it that Buthelezi had direct access to the late leader which enabled him to have influence over him.”

Dube said Buthelezi was also disliked because he would leave with “baskets of money” when he went to see the leader.

The Shembe church, also known as the Nazareth Baptist Church, has been embroiled in a leadership battle since the death of Vimbeni Shembe last March. He had been the leader of its largest faction.

According to a will, Vimbeni apparently chose his cousin Vela Shembe as his successor, but some senior church leaders wanted his son Mduduzi to take the reins instead.

After failing to convince the church's elders that Vimbeni had nominated him, Vela took the matter to court.

Dube told the court he had several “informal meetings” with Mr BV Mthethwa and other church members.

The removal of Buthelezi and Sibisi was discussed.

Rajesh Choudre SC, for Mduduzi, asked Dube why he had continued meeting with Mthethwa if he did not agree with the plans to remove Buthelezi and Sibisi.

Dube said the meetings had been “informal” with no set agenda.

The trial continues on Tuesday. - Sapa

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