By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE-A Senwabarwana pastor, Makgabo Walter Mashalane (47), and seven of his congregants from the Present Gospel Ministry, face serious charges after an alleged attack on a group of tavern patrons in Mokhurumela Village, Ga Mmaleboho, on April 16, 2017.
The accused, including Thabang Evidence Mokgowa (30), Moloko Maitja (40), Shadrack Mashalane (32), Matome David Machaba (27), Judas Mashalane (36), Solomon Matlakala Raphala (41), and Serole Maitja (27), are set to appear in Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 24 January 2025.
The group is facing a range of charges, including public violence, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, malicious injury to property, and pointing a firearm.
The case, which was initially provisionally withdrawn, has been reinstated following a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to reports, the confrontation began when Pastor Mashalane and his congregants claimed that the noise from the nearby tavern was disrupting their church service.
Allegedly, the group attacked the patrons at the tavern, accusing them of causing the disturbance.
The accused are said to have forcibly taken the complainants from the tavern to the church, where they were reportedly robbed of their personal belongings.
The case has garnered significant attention in the community, with many expressing shock over the actions of a pastor and his followers.
The court proceedings will continue tomorrow, with a High Court date to be scheduled for further hearings.
