Shembe factions clash outside High Court - VIDEO
The battle for rightful leadership of the Nazareth Baptist Church aslo known as Shembe Church rages on as the Ebuhleni and Thembezeinhle factions battled it out outside the Durban High court yesterday.
Fights erupted over who should be allowed to gain entry into the court proceedings.
Leaders Mduduzi and Vela Shembe are fighting for control of the five-million strong church which is one of the richest churches in Africa.
The Shembe Church has been embroiled in a leadership battle since the death of Vimbeni Shembe, who was the leader of the largest faction.
Last year, the court heard that, according to a will, Vimbeni chose his cousin Vela Shembe as his successor. However, some senior leaders of the church wanted Vimbeni’s son Mduduzi to take the reins.
After failing to convince the church’s elders that Vimbeni had nominated him, Vela took the matter to court.
The churches assets have been frozen until the matter is resolved.