Parishioners want ‘drunkard, rapist’ pastor removed
Service interrupted over preacher’s conduct
Angry members of a congregation in the Soweto area of Windhoek interrupted a church service yesterday, demanding answers about why a controversial pastor, accused of embezzling church funds and previously arrested on rape charges, has not been removed from his position.
The pastor in question, Willem Collin Cloete of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCRN)’s Tanidare congregation in Soweto, faces a litany of allegations, including serious financial mismanagement.
A petition signed by concerned members from Soweto, Hakahana, Goreangab, and Otjomuise settlements, along with a detailed file of complaints and supporting evidence, was submitted to the Windhoek circuit of the church on 12 November. The petition urges urgent action, including the immediate removal of Cloete as pastor of the Tanidare congregation.
Cloete previously made headlines in 2022 when he was arrested on two charges of raping an 18-year-old congregation member, who alleged he had repeatedly assaulted her since 2020. The verdict in that matter remains pending. In 2014, he was also one of 14 ELCRN pastors accused of conducting “convenience marriages” between foreigners and Namibians, resulting in the loss of his status as a marriage officer.
Pastor reportedly unresponsive to complaints
Documents seen by Namibian Sun indicate that Pastor George du Toit of the Windhoek circuit wrote to Cloete on 20 November, noting that after two weeks, he had still not responded to the complaints lodged against him. The letter followed yesterday’s interrupted service and stated that Cloete had seemingly failed to do “everything within your spiritual capacity” to resolve the tension and dissatisfaction. Despite the complaints, Cloete remains the appointed spiritual leader of the Tanidare congregation.
Allegations of financial mismanagement
Among the supporting documents are allegations that Cloete interfered with the congregation’s financial affairs. Money meant to be accounted for and deposited in the church’s bank accounts allegedly ended up in his personal possession without the financial committee’s knowledge or consent. Cloete is accused of maintaining his own receipt book and using offerings and contributions for personal expenses, including car parts, petrol, and meals for a synod meeting that reportedly never took place.
Members claim that Cloete owes the congregation a total of N$29,000.70, including a N$10,000 bail payment previously provided to him as a loan.
Alleged abuse of authority and verbal misconduct
Cloete is also accused of acting unilaterally without consulting the council and verbally abusing female council members, reportedly calling the congregation’s elders “dumb,” “simple,” “septic,” and “useless.” Complainants allege that his sermons often focus on his personal grievances rather than delivering spiritual guidance.
Issues with weddings, funerals, and official duties
According to complainants, payments from couples for weddings and funerals have “never reached the congregation’s coffers.” Since Cloete no longer holds a licence to issue marriage certificates, he allegedly uses certificates from other authorised pastors and deposits payments directly into his own account, which he is supposed to pass on.
The complaints also refer to video material circulated on social media showing Cloete allegedly misusing alcohol. He is further accused of neglecting his pastoral duties, including failing to visit farms or outlying churches under his jurisdiction.
Cloete had not responded to any requests for comment at the time of publication.
– [email protected]
The pastor in question, Willem Collin Cloete of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCRN)’s Tanidare congregation in Soweto, faces a litany of allegations, including serious financial mismanagement.
A petition signed by concerned members from Soweto, Hakahana, Goreangab, and Otjomuise settlements, along with a detailed file of complaints and supporting evidence, was submitted to the Windhoek circuit of the church on 12 November. The petition urges urgent action, including the immediate removal of Cloete as pastor of the Tanidare congregation.
Cloete previously made headlines in 2022 when he was arrested on two charges of raping an 18-year-old congregation member, who alleged he had repeatedly assaulted her since 2020. The verdict in that matter remains pending. In 2014, he was also one of 14 ELCRN pastors accused of conducting “convenience marriages” between foreigners and Namibians, resulting in the loss of his status as a marriage officer.
Pastor reportedly unresponsive to complaints
Documents seen by Namibian Sun indicate that Pastor George du Toit of the Windhoek circuit wrote to Cloete on 20 November, noting that after two weeks, he had still not responded to the complaints lodged against him. The letter followed yesterday’s interrupted service and stated that Cloete had seemingly failed to do “everything within your spiritual capacity” to resolve the tension and dissatisfaction. Despite the complaints, Cloete remains the appointed spiritual leader of the Tanidare congregation.
Allegations of financial mismanagement
Among the supporting documents are allegations that Cloete interfered with the congregation’s financial affairs. Money meant to be accounted for and deposited in the church’s bank accounts allegedly ended up in his personal possession without the financial committee’s knowledge or consent. Cloete is accused of maintaining his own receipt book and using offerings and contributions for personal expenses, including car parts, petrol, and meals for a synod meeting that reportedly never took place.
Members claim that Cloete owes the congregation a total of N$29,000.70, including a N$10,000 bail payment previously provided to him as a loan.
Alleged abuse of authority and verbal misconduct
Cloete is also accused of acting unilaterally without consulting the council and verbally abusing female council members, reportedly calling the congregation’s elders “dumb,” “simple,” “septic,” and “useless.” Complainants allege that his sermons often focus on his personal grievances rather than delivering spiritual guidance.
Issues with weddings, funerals, and official duties
According to complainants, payments from couples for weddings and funerals have “never reached the congregation’s coffers.” Since Cloete no longer holds a licence to issue marriage certificates, he allegedly uses certificates from other authorised pastors and deposits payments directly into his own account, which he is supposed to pass on.
The complaints also refer to video material circulated on social media showing Cloete allegedly misusing alcohol. He is further accused of neglecting his pastoral duties, including failing to visit farms or outlying churches under his jurisdiction.
Cloete had not responded to any requests for comment at the time of publication.
– [email protected]
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