Durban - The man accused of masquerading as late maskandi artist Khulekani “Mgqumeni” Khumalo had his ID hidden under three pairs of underpants when he was arrested, the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court heard on Thursday.
This was the testimony of a policeman, Major Maxwell Ngobeni, who said he took Sibusiso “Lazarus” John Gcabashe to the district surgeon for an examination after he was arrested in Nqutu in February last year.
“I was surprised when I discovered that Gcabashe had three pairs of underpants on, and he had something concealed near his groin area,” Ngobeni said.
Gcabashe is charged with fraud after claiming last year that he was Khumalo and had risen from the dead. He also faces charges of kidnapping, assault, rape, theft and attempting to escape from custody. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Also testifying on Thursday was Thobile Zondi, who said Gcabashe arrived at her Ixopo home on November 18, 2011, accompanied by a woman he referred to as his wife.
They introduced themselves as “Sphamandla and Nomfundo” and asked for a place to stay, she said.
According to Zondi, Gcabashe told her how he and his wife had been abducted by his former boss, then abandoned in a secluded area near a sugar plantation.
Gcabashe explained to her that as he knelt and prayed, a white cloth had fallen from the sky and he had been tapped on the shoulder.
“He said that when he opened his eyes and turned around, he saw a white horse with a human face, looking at him,” said Zondi.
When the apparition disappeared, she continued, Gcabashe said he felt weak and dizzy. He and Nomfundo then started walking and arrived at Zondi’s home.
Zondi said that she and her neighbours took pity on the couple after hearing of their ordeal, and she provided them with food and shelter for four days.
Before they left, Zondi said she and her neighbours raised R400 for the couple.
Gcabashe denied knowing Zondi.
The trial was adjourned to July 18.
Daily News