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MBABANE - The squabble, which escalated into a fight at the AEC Mbuluzi Branch two weeks ago, has resulted in two pastors being charged with common assault.
The Africa Evangelical Church (AEC) pastors Joseph Dlamini, who oversees the Mbuluzi branch, and Themba Ginindza, in charge of the Melleti branch at Maphalaleni. Ginindza is also the Deputy Chairman of the Mbuluzi Circuit.
Ginindza, aged 49, was charged with assaulting Dlamini, aged 60, by striking him with a fist on the back of his head while at the Mbuluzi branch. He pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him. During mitigation, Ginindza requested leniency, claiming that he acted in self-defence after Dlamini reportedly came to the church intending to attack them.
He further stated that he is a member of the community police in his area and explained that he was attempting to retrieve a bush knife from Dlamini to prevent harm to the congregants.
Ginindza was sentenced to three months imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of E500.
Meanwhile, Dlamini faces charges of assaulting Thulani Tsela twice on the left side of his face with a fist. Dlamini, through his Lawyer Mphumelelo Ginindza, indicated his intention to plead not guilty and requested a date for trial to present his defence. Dlamini stated that he came to court from home after being warned by the police and noted that it was not the first time he had complied with such warnings, having done the same on the preceding Monday.
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Church official seeks accurate information
MBABANE - “I wanted accurate information concerning the assault cases involving the pastors.”
This was the response from the Africa Evangelical Church Regional Secretary, Dumisani Anson Zwane, when he was approached in court yesterday.
Zwane stated that the sole purpose of his presence was to obtain first-hand information, as he needed to understand the situation accurately.
However, he mentioned that he only became aware of the matter at short notice after Pastor Themba Ginindza was called by the police.
Events leading to arrest of two pastors
MBABANE - Two weeks ago, it was reported that a delegation led by Pastor Thulani Tsela visited the Africa Evangelical Church, Mbuluzi Branch with the intention of effecting the suspension of the resident pastor, Joseph Dlamini.
It was gathered that the delegation, sent by the Regional Executive, arrived early and joined the Mbuluzi branch in worship without indicating the purpose of their visit to Dlamini.
At the end of the service, it was reported that Ndumiso Mavuso, who was part of the delegation, requested the congregants to remain seated as there was an important announcement from the church executive.
According to reports, Dlamini disapproved of the impromptu meeting and ordered the congregants to leave, as the service was over.
*Full article available in our publication.
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