Theft charge against pastor dropped

[caption id="attachment_41889" align="alignright" width="200"] PETER TWYNHAM[/caption]

A CHARGE of theft totalling R1.4-million was withdrawn against an elderly Port Elizabeth pastor months after some of his congregants turned against him and his possessions were seized.

But the Rev Peter Twynham's battle is not yet over.

He must still answer to allegations that he underpaid the taxman between 2004 and 2012. He will stand trial in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on November 5.

While Twynham, 79, of the Port Elizabeth Tabernacle in Sanctor, conceded to an under-declaration of his personal income, he said at no time did he act with the intent to commit fraud.

He said he would make a corrective payment of almost R375000 before his next court date. - Kathryn Kimberley