Caught in the middle of church conflict

AS members of the community near the Presbyterian church in Motherwell, we are tired of the fighting in that church.

It started last year and both fighting parties were called to a meeting by the community and they showed us that day there was no peace between them.

We took a decision that we will close that church.

When they heard this, Rev Mpulu's faction, led by Andile Matya, called the community to explain their side of the story.

They asked us not to close the church as they had the necessary documents – they had a court order against Rev Mokabo and his followers.

However, things have changed again now, as Mokabo received a court order from the Grahamstown High Court two weeks ago, allowing him to take back church keys that had been confiscated by police.

Others are not happy about the court's decision.

A group headed by Andile Matya had called the community and asked us to close the church and the house where Mokabo resides.

They threatened that they would not stop until their demands were met.

They think they can use us to fight their battles. We're not stupid.

They can all go to hell – to their father.

Community Member