Bishop in court over full church service
A bishop was arrested and charged with contravening the Disaster Management Act after more than 300 congregants allegedly attended a church service in Mthatha on Sunday.
Bishop Phikolwethu Mafanya, founder and leader of the Bridge to Heaven Christian Fellowship Church, appeared in the Mthatha magistrate’s court on Tuesday wearing a Springbok rugby cap and jersey with jeans and takkies.
He evaded the media and covered his face with a jacket, even going so far as running away from photographers.
Mafanya was arrested by King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) law enforcement officers at his church in Zimbane at about 1pm on Sunday, as they were celebrating Women’s Day.
KSD spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza said: “A case docket was opened and Bishop Phikolwethu Mafanya was taken in to be charged with convening a church gathering where more than 50 people were in attendance and in contravention of Disaster Management Act regulations.”
Magistrate Bhekabantu Mbonjeni postponed the case to September 29 for further investigation.
Mafanya, represented by well known Mthatha attorney Thanduxolo Qina, was not asked to plead.
Although the bishop was arrested on Sunday, he did not spend the night behind bars but was released a few hours later after his lawyer managed to get R2,000 bail for him.
Mafanya cut a lonely figure in court on Tuesday, with no supporters in the gallery.
Mampoza said Sunday’s arrest was the first one of a church leader during lockdown level 3.
“During level 5, our law enforcement officers arrested a church leader in Ngangelizwe in Mthatha and others during a funeral where there were more than 50 people.
“A schoolteacher and learners were arrested during lockdown level 5 in Norwood in Mthatha.”
SA Council of Churches Eastern Cape chair, the Rev Lulama Ntshingwa, said: “The church is committed to driving down the Covid-19 infection rate. To save lives is central to all churches and their communities.
“To save lives, we appeal to all people to follow the health protocols prescribed by the WHO, for your own safety and the safety of others.”