South Africa Horror: Pastor and Family Allegedly Kidnap, Amputate Man’s Arms After They Caught Him Stealing From Church; Probe Launched
A disturbing case has emerged from KwaGuqa, a town in South Africa, involving Pastor Solomon Mhlanga, who is accused of severing a man's hands in a violent act of retribution.
KwaGuqa, July 29: A disturbing case has emerged from KwaGuqa, a town in South Africa, involving Pastor Solomon Mhlanga, who is accused of severing a man's hands in a violent act of retribution. The victim, 30-year-old Dumisani Mahlangu, allegedly stole scrap metal and electrical wires from the local church in March. Mhlanga, along with his wife Poppy and their son Enoch, reportedly kidnapped Mahlangu and took him to a secluded area, where they crushed his fingers with a hammer before amputating his arms.
According to the Mirror report, Mahlangu was allegedly caught stealing scrap metal and electrical wires from Soteria Ministries International in KwaGuqa in March. The situation escalated dramatically when Mahlangu was reportedly abducted by Mhlanga, Poppy, Enoch, and three other unidentified accomplices. On the day of the incident, Mahlangu was reportedly forced into the pastor's van and driven to a secluded location. South Africa Shooting: Gunmen Open Fire at Hostel in Durban; Seven Killed, Two Injured.
There, it is alleged that Mhlanga and his family brutally amputated Mahlangu’s hands as a form of punishment. The community’s reaction was one of outrage, with some residents calling for the church to be torched in retaliation while others debated whether Mahlangu deserved such a brutal punishment. An anonymous source also reported that Pastor Mhlanga has a history of violence, alleging that church members previously assaulted a man similarly suspected of theft. South Africa Bus Crash: 45 People Dead After Bus Carrying Easter Worshippers Falls Off Cliff in Limpopo, Eight-Year-Old Girl Only Survivor (Watch Video).
The case was brought before the Emalahleni Magistrates' Court, where Pastor Mhlanga, his wife, and son faced charges of kidnapping and attempted murder. As reported by the Daily Star, the pastor and his son were granted bail, while Poppy received only a warning. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 5. The investigation continues as authorities seek to apprehend three additional suspects involved in the case.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2024 07:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).