Sun May 26 04:42:35 SAST 2013
Sun May 26 04:42:35 SAST 2013

Variations in Shembe signatures questioned

Sep 18, 2012 | Sapa | 74 comments

THERE was only a one in 820 trillion chance of two people having the same handwriting, the Durban High Court was told.

Bishop Mduduzi Shembe visits the new Sandanezwe outdoor temple in Doornfontein, Johannesburg.

This was the testimony of forensic document examiner Michael Irving under cross-examination.

He was being asked about variations in the signatures of the late Shembe Church leader Vimbeni Shembe.

The Shembe Church is embroiled in a leadership battle, which began last year after Shembe died.

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

Vela has argued that Vimbeni appointed him as a successor in a will. He took the matter to court after failing to convince church elders that he was the rightful successor.

Irving was instructed to authenticate Vimbeni's signature on his deed of nomination.

When Irving compared the standard signatures to the disputed signature he found 27 similar characteristics. He found three variations from the undisputed signatures.

Last week the court heard that Irving's findings would be disputed by Colonel Frik Landman, who found that the signature on the deed of nomination was forged. The case continues.

Comments

Sun May 26 04:42:36 SAST 2013 ::
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

Mosquer

Bo raditedu
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

Pointman

There is money, status and power to be had. God? Well the winner can fit him in somewhere later.
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

Kaylae

Vimbeni's son Mduduzi and cousin Vela Shembe both want to succeed him.
___________________________________________________________________
Oh okay I thought one has to have a calling to be a pastor not inherit it but well it seems this is a family church hence they treat it like chieftancy well let the rightful owner to the throne oopsie pulpit win
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

RobinH

This whole shambles is such a clear demionstration of the fact that actual "faith" plays a poor second fiddle to wealth in so many religious organisations.
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

Mmaditopo

Yesterday i was crucified as "Zuma's description of Malema-by an individual of a certain description" when i made the comment about money. There you have it-it happens in churches as well, you can never have enough money. If the Shembes of this world who are men and women of God, who am i, the sinner that i am, not to like money?
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

DrunkenMaster

This church must be having Millions of rands in their account that is why these Bishops are at each other's troat.
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

RobinH

And it's "all in the family" too.
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

Flemza

Why can`t they just make this Shembe church a social club , whats wrong with these people , so that the leader gets elected then by the club members not pin pointed or choosen , but elected in a democratic way
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

Mosquer

Is it true gore kereke ye ba nwa madi
Report Abuse
avatar image
Sep 18, 2012

WordofGod

@mosquer
nna i heard with a close friend that women are not allowed to put on underwear
Report Abuse

Read all 74 comments

Your Subscription

The SowetanLIVE Network