In Mpumalanga, South Africa, a man named Dumisani Mahlangu has spoken out against a pastor accused of a horrific crime. Mahlangu claims his hands were severed by Pastor Solomon Mhlanga after being accused of theft. The pastor, along with his wife Poppy and son Enoch, are facing charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.
The incident took place at Soteria Ministries International in Kwa-Guqa, Emalahleni. Mahlangu was accused of stealing electrical wires and metal scrap from the church. After the alleged assault at the church, Mahlangu says he was taken in the pastor’s van to a remote area in Kromdraai, where his hands were cut off.
"I have not forgiven him, I will not forgive him, and I will die having not forgiven him," Mahlangu stated. He described how the pastor's actions have deeply affected him, adding, "This thing is destroying me inside."
Reports from the area suggest this might not be the first instance of violence at the church. An anonymous resident mentioned a similar incident involving an assault on a man by congregants the previous year.
Local community members have expressed their shock and outrage. One witness described seeing Mahlangu's injuries: "It is one thing to hear about what he has done, but it is another to see it for myself."
Another resident, Mpumezo Gawe, mentioned that some in the community are so angry they have called for the church to be burned down. "What he did was not good, he should not have taken matters into his own hands," Gawe said.
The pastor and his family appeared before the Emalahleni Magistrate's Court and were released on bail on July 24. Their court appearance has intensified community debate about the actions of the pastor and the safety of people attending the church.
Mahlangu’s case has attracted significant media attention, sparking discussions about justice and forgiveness. Many community members are questioning why such an extreme action was allegedly taken over a simple theft accusation.
As the legal process unfolds, Mahlangu remains firm in his decision not to forgive. He believes the trauma inflicted on him is irreversible. The community continues to grapple with the implications of the incident, hoping for a resolution that addresses their concerns about violence and safety within local religious institutions.
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