Police warn about self-proclaimed pastors
The Kavango West police commander urged communities to stop entertaining people who claim to be pastors and bishops, adding that their intention is to manipulate the desperate and vulnerable to make money.
KENYA KAMBOWE
RUNDU
Kavango West police on Wednesday attended to a fight which broke out at Suni village when a self-proclaimed pastor revealed who had allegedly been bewitching one of the congregation members.
This was confirmed by Kavango West police commander, Commissioner Josephat Abel, who expressed disappointment in communities who continue to fall victim to criminals masquerading as traditional healers, pastors and bishops.
Abel said the incident happened at the house-cum-church of a headman, adding that chaos erupted when the name of a person allegedly practicing witchcraft was revealed.
“Yesterday there was a fight about who is bewitching who because the self-proclaimed pastor said so,” he said.
He added that it is unfortunate that people continue to believe the word of self-proclaimed pastors while their actions can lead to death.
Abel was referring to a recent incident which saw three people losing their lives at the Jesus Victory Church at Mutengo village when two self-proclaimed pastors allegedly gave them a concoction of methylated spirits, vinegar, salt and olive oil, which was administered via a pipe in the victims’ rectums.
The two suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody.
Stop entertaining them
The commissioner said people should be vigilant and stop entertaining those who claim to be pastors and bishops as their intention is to manipulate the desperate and vulnerable in the community and make money for their own survival.
“I want to call upon the communities to stop entertaining the criminals who are self-proclaimed pastors and bishops. People are dying and they still entertain these people. I also call on headmen and -women to protect the people and not allow such things in the communities,” he said.
On the fight, Abel said no one was arrested but the police will head to Suni village to charge and fine those involved for violating Covid-19 regulations as the number of people surpassed the stipulated 100.
[email protected]
RUNDU
Kavango West police on Wednesday attended to a fight which broke out at Suni village when a self-proclaimed pastor revealed who had allegedly been bewitching one of the congregation members.
This was confirmed by Kavango West police commander, Commissioner Josephat Abel, who expressed disappointment in communities who continue to fall victim to criminals masquerading as traditional healers, pastors and bishops.
Abel said the incident happened at the house-cum-church of a headman, adding that chaos erupted when the name of a person allegedly practicing witchcraft was revealed.
“Yesterday there was a fight about who is bewitching who because the self-proclaimed pastor said so,” he said.
He added that it is unfortunate that people continue to believe the word of self-proclaimed pastors while their actions can lead to death.
Abel was referring to a recent incident which saw three people losing their lives at the Jesus Victory Church at Mutengo village when two self-proclaimed pastors allegedly gave them a concoction of methylated spirits, vinegar, salt and olive oil, which was administered via a pipe in the victims’ rectums.
The two suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody.
Stop entertaining them
The commissioner said people should be vigilant and stop entertaining those who claim to be pastors and bishops as their intention is to manipulate the desperate and vulnerable in the community and make money for their own survival.
“I want to call upon the communities to stop entertaining the criminals who are self-proclaimed pastors and bishops. People are dying and they still entertain these people. I also call on headmen and -women to protect the people and not allow such things in the communities,” he said.
On the fight, Abel said no one was arrested but the police will head to Suni village to charge and fine those involved for violating Covid-19 regulations as the number of people surpassed the stipulated 100.
[email protected]
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