MANZINI – The Apostolic Faith Church International at Mfabantfu has suspended all worship services indefinitely following the arrest and continued detention of its pastor, Nkosingiphile Allen Zwane.
The decision comes as the criminal case against him has reportedly widened, with fresh allegations emerging from ongoing police investigations. Church leaders said the matter remains too fresh for normal worship activities to resume.
Speaking to this publication, Reverend Khonza Ntshakala confirmed that leadership had resolved to suspend all services until further notice, saying the congregation needed time to come to terms with the developments.
"This matter is still very fresh. The church leadership resolved to put services on hold because everyone is still trying to come to terms with what has happened," he said.
He added that members were deeply disturbed that Zwane, who previously served at the Kholwane Branch, but originated from the Mfabantfu congregation, is now at the centre of serious criminal accusations that have shaken the church's image.
"It pains us that he allegedly chose God's house as part of these crimes. If these allegations are true, it shows he neither feared nor respected God. We are deeply hurt because this has affected innocent worshippers and the reputation of the church," he said.
Zwane to remain in custody while investigations continue. The court also authorised police to retain his cellphone, identity document, bank cards and clothing for forensic analysis, alongside blood samples and post-mortem examinations on all four deceased women.
Fresh court documents have revealed that Zwane allegedly committed earlier violent offences involving his girlfriend weeks before the four murders, widening the scope of the case.
The State alleges that two counts relate to offences under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act involving his girlfriend, Nonhlanhla Magagula, while the remaining four relate to the alleged murders.
According to court papers, the domestic violence incident is alleged to have occurred on May 4, 2026 at Mahhala, in Matsapha, when Zwane allegedly threatened Magagula in a manner that made her fear sexual violence and allegedly cut her on the hand with a sharp object before strangling her.
During proceedings before Principal Magistrate David Khumalo at the Manzini Magistrates Court, the State successfully applied for Zwane to remain in custody while investigations continue. The court also authorised police to retain his cellphone, identity document, bank cards and clothing for forensic analysis, alongside blood samples and post-mortem examinations on all four deceased women.
The revelations have strengthened indications that investigators are building a broader pattern of alleged violence beyond the murder counts. Investigators are also examining Magagula's account as part of establishing a timeline of alleged abuse.
The State alleges that on or about June 29, Zwane unlawfully and intentionally murdered Mkhonta in Manzini. He is also accused of killing Shabangu, Mohale and Langa on the same date and in the same area.
What began as a missing persons inquiry escalated after police discovered a shallow grave at Mfabantfu containing the bodies of four women, triggering national shock and an intensive forensic investigation.
The case has drawn comparisons with past serial murder cases in Eswatini, including that of convicted serial killer David Thabo Simelane, although the cases remain legally separate.
Investigations remain ongoing as police continue interviewing witnesses and analysing forensic material. Zwane was remanded in custody until July 8, 2026.
Pastors urge Shabangu family to trust God amid loss
MANZINI – Pastors have urged the Shabangu family to remain calm and trust in God as they bury Samkelisiwe Shabangu at Bhunya.
The appeal was made during the funeral service of Shabangu, described as one of the alleged victims of pastor Nkosingiphile Allen Zwane. Church representatives acknowledged the deep grief experienced by the bereaved family and encouraged them to draw strength from their faith as they cope with the tragedy.
The speakers stressed that the alleged crime should be viewed as the act of an individual and not associated with the wider church or its congregation.
They said it would be unjust to link the institution to the actions of one accused person.
One speaker, addressing mourners on behalf of the family, expressed sorrow over the incident, saying it was painful to accept that trusted spiritual leaders could allegedly be implicated in such serious crimes. He added that the matter was made more distressing by the role of pastors as sources of guidance, comfort and moral direction in communities.
He further noted the impact on the deceased's family, saying she left behind two young children who depended on her and who now face an uncertain future without present fathers, deepening the family's grief.
The funeral was marked by emotional tributes as mourners struggled to reconcile the allegations with the trust placed in church leadership.
In a related development, Noncedo Mohale, also linked to the same case, was buried on the same day, as families continue to mourn amid ongoing investigations.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
