Mbabane – The Apostolic Faith Church has filed an urgent High Court application to strip former leader Ephraem Bhembe of his authority, claiming a recent Magistrate’s ruling has thrown the religious organization into chaos.
The church is seeking a review of a decision delivered by Senior Magistrate Simangele Mbatha on April 14, 2026. According to court papers, the church views the Magistrate’s findings as “misconceived” and “grossly unreasonable” because they failed to recognize Bhembe’s formal expulsion from the ministry.
The leadership dispute follows the 2024 dismissal of the church’s regional head for the South of Limpopo, Paulus Sebotsa. Bhembe was subsequently expelled in August 2024 for what the church describes as “blind loyalty” and “rebellion” against the international headquarters in England.
Thulani Dlamini, who was appointed as the new Eswatini Overseer in December 2024, stated in his founding affidavit that Bhembe’s refusal to step down has created a “leadership conundrum.” Dlamini claims members are divided and confused as Bhembe continues to conduct services and hold himself out as the legitimate leader despite his removal.
The church argues that Bhembe’s actions constitute a “struggle of authority” that prevents the new leadership from managing day-to-day operations or making official announcements. The application seeks a declaratory order that Bhembe is no longer a leader and an interdict preventing him or his sympathizers from posing as such.
Attorney Mxolisi Dlamini certified the matter as urgent, noting that the state of affairs is segregating the church and bringing its name into disrepute. The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on May 5, 2026, where the church will pray for the stay of the Magistrate’s order and the return of all church property in Bhembe’s possession.
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