Drama as police monitor Lutheran Church

THERE was pandemonium at the Ngwelezana Library, during the Ekwethabeni Lutheran Church service, when worshipers were greeted by a strong police presence on Sunday.

This move has angered local worshippers who were shocked to see police officers seated at the entrance to the library, observing every move that took place during the service.

Apart from the police, there were four other armed men waiting outside the parking lot.

Ekwethabeni Lutheran Church Council Chairperson Silondile Mkhize said she was disappointed by the conduct of Pastor Langelihle Biyela, who she accused of bringing the police to a holy place.

‘We are concerned by Pastor Biyela’s action of sowing division and ensuring instability in the church. She has let us down in a big way.

‘We were happy when she came to our church, because she displayed outstanding leadership qualities.

‘We don’t know what changed her to behave like this. Her actions are aimed at bringing the church into disrepute and we can’t tolerate that.

Pastor Biyela now has a tendency of taking unilateral decisions in matters directly affecting us as the church council,’ said Mkhize.

In her reply, Pastor Biyela confirmed to have called the police for protection during the church service, as she feared for her life.

‘Yes, it is true that I asked for security after receiving numerous messages on my cellphone, threatening my life if I continue leading this church.

‘I can also confirm that I have moved out of the mission house for the same reasons.

‘I tried to communicate with the parish council about my situation, but they proved too elusive.’

Controversy is no stranger to this church, which was at some stage embroiled in a R40-million scandal, resulting in the suspension of other senior church leaders.