Doomsday cult leader flees Eastern Cape home

Published Jul 3, 2003

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By Ncedo Kumbaca & Madoda Dyonana

Members of the controversial doomsday cult Ibandla lika Krestu have been living in fear since returning to their homes.

Alleged cult leader Nokulunga Fiphaza was compelled to leave Payne Farm, near Umtata, on Tuesday night after disgruntled community members visited her and queried her presence in the area.

Payne Farm is a small settlement about 10km from the cult's compound, where eight bodies were exhumed last week.

Police said Fiphaza had relocated to her daughter's home in Butterworth out of fear for her life.

The six-room house where Fiphaza had hidden for the past two weeks was empty of furniture on Wednesday.

One of the neighbours, who did not want to be named, confirmed that Fiphaza, the owner of the house and local teacher Dumisani Lingani had been staying there.

While Fiphaza was there, the curtains were closed 24 hours a day and, although the house has electricity, only a candle was used for light said the neighbour, adding: "The community were shocked to see media reports about Fiphaza's involvement in the cult and immediately called the police."

But the police didn't arrest Fiphaza this week because she claimed to be an ordinary member of the cult.

A statement was taken, but the court and the investigating officer, Inspector Bongani Ntanjana, have not yet decided whether to charge Fiphaza or compel her to turn her state witness.

Two other members of the cult at Payne Farm, Nosipho Mpambaniso, 18, and Sindiswa Bakeni, 23, who both still obey the cult's teachings, have been harassed by locals.

On Wednesday local community leader Chief Jongisizwe Ndzambule lashed out at those who are harassing the cult members, saying they were violating their human rights.

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