Emalahleni Magistrate's Court is set to deliver judgment in the case of Apostle Solomon Mhlanga, 58, and his 20-year-old son Enoch, who are facing charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. The duo was arrested after Dumisani Mahlangu, 29, had both his hands chopped off by the pastor and his accomplices in March, allegedly for stealing from their church in Kwa-Guqa, Mpumalanga.
Mahlangu, who has a history of theft to feed a drug addiction, maintains he was innocent of the crime he was accused of. "I begged him to leave me with one hand, but he said my friends must see what happens to people that steal from him," Mahlangu told Sowetan.
The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in the area highlighted a growing drug problem, with addicts stealing steel hardware to sell at scrapyards. The case has sparked outrage, with the community divided on whether the pastor's actions were justified. Mahlangu's father expressed his pain, saying, "How can a pastor do this to my child? Is he not supposed to preach peace?" The accused could face serious prison time if convicted.
Comments
Post a Comment