Self-styled prophet Samuel Radebe has failed to honour an order to pay his former bodyguard about R100000 for unfair dismissal after the man sought a sangoma's help.
Mpumelelo Nkayi, 45, took the Revelation Church of God to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) last year. He said he accompanied Radebe to several countries as his protector and was paid R8000 a month before deductions.
He said he went to the CCMA in Port Elizabeth where the matter was heard and a ruling made.
Nkayi was represented by lawyer Arishka Narain, while Zandile Seotsanyana appeared for the church.
In granting the award in favour of Nkayi, CCMA commissioner Nasima Raffee said: "The dismissal of the applicant was procedurally and substantively unfair."
She said the church should pay Nkayi a year's salary - a total of R96000.
Raffee said Nkayi should also be reimbursed R2000 which was deducted from his salary without an agreement.
The money was meant to fix a car Nkayi had allegedly damaged in an accident.
Raffee said the church should have payed Nkayi R98000 by December 31 last year, but this has not happened.
"I have not received a cent from the church. I have two children aged 14 and 18. They live with my mother and are still in school. They all depend on me. Now, I cannot provide for them.
"I feel [like] less of a man because I am unable to care for my family. I can hardly sleep and depend on my grandmother's pension at the moment," said Nkayi, adding that he was struggling to get a job.
He said he was now in hiding out of fear for his life.
"I keep getting calls from people threatening my life. I'm now living in fear and live in an area where no one knows me."
Senior church leader Thembi Tulwana said: "The issue of Mpumelelo Nkayi is sub judice and until such time that this process is over we are unable to breathe on it."
According to documents seen by Sowetan, the CCMA also issued an enforcement award where the church's property should be attached. The CCMA said the money owed Nkayi should be paid with interest as per legal rate per annum.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za