Shembe succession trial delayed

File image - The late Bishop Vimbeni Shembe

File image - The late Bishop Vimbeni Shembe

Published Feb 4, 2013

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Durban - A trial to determine the leadership of the Shembe church was delayed in the Durban High Court on Monday.

Proceedings did not start as scheduled, because the court's records had not all been transcribed.

Handwriting experts expected to testify also failed to submitted their documents to the court.

The church, also known as the Nazareth Baptist Church, has been embroiled in a leadership battle since its leader Vimbeni Shembe died in 2011.

Vimbeni's son, Mduduzi, and cousin, Vela Shembe, both want to succeed him.

According to a will, he chose Vela as his successor, but some senior church leaders want Mduduzi to take over.

After failing to convince the church's elders of his nomination, Vela took the matter to court.

The matter was postponed to Tuesday. - Sapa

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