Josh Sullivan, an American pastor who was kidnapped by armed robbers during a church service in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Thursday last week, has been rescued.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, 45-year-old Sullivan was found at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, on Tuesday night.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said the rescue was the result of an intelligence-driven operation carried out on Tuesday. Said Fumba:
<blockquote>
As officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle on the premises. The suspects inside the vehicle upon seeing law enforcement allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team.
</blockquote>
Fumba said officers returned fire, killing three suspects. The victim was found inside the vehicle used by the attackers during the confrontation.
He added that miraculously unharmed, the pastor was assessed by medical personnel at the scene and is currently in excellent condition.
More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/eastern-cape/american-pastor-josh-sullivan-rescued-from-kidnappers-in-eastern-cape-three-suspects-killed-49baa400-39a5-44ba-8e52-d4dddcf5fea1">IOL</a>

Pindula News

An American pastor named Josh Sullivan was rescued by the police in South Africa after being kidnapped by robbers during a church service. The police found him at a safe house and arrested the kidnappers. They had to fight back when the suspects shot at them, killing three of them. The pastor was unharmed and is now safe and sound. He was checked by doctors and is doing well. The police did a great job in rescuing him and bringing him back to safety.

American Pastor Taken At Gunpoint During Church Service In South Africa Rescued By Hawks

The founder and leader of River of Life International Church, 57-year-old Bothwell Phiri, is facing attempted murder charges after he allegedly shot his son, Jordan, mistaking him for an intruder at their Kumalo suburb home in Bulawayo early Monday morning.
According to Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo, Jordan, 29, had returned home late from their plot in Esigodini.
Finding the door locked, he tried to enter the house through a window. Said Msebele:
<blockquote>
He opened a window and as he attempted to gain entry, he was shot in the groin by the accused person. When the accused realised it was his son, he rushed him to UBH for treatment.
</blockquote>
Msebele said Phiri told the police he shot his son, mistaking him for an intruder. However, she confirmed that the son is currently in stable condition. Said Msebele:
<blockquote>
This was an unfortunate incident. The accused person was interviewed and told police he mistakenly shot his son as he thought he was an intruder.
The firearm was checked and police confirmed that he is a licensed holder of the firearm.
</blockquote>
She added that investigations into the incident are still ongoing, and the matter will be brought before the court in due course.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/prophet-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-shooting-son/">Chronicle</a>

A pastor named Bothwell Phiri accidentally shot his son Jordan, thinking he was an intruder coming into their home in Bulawayo. Jordan had tried to enter through a window after returning home late. Phiri rushed his son to the hospital after realizing his mistake. The police confirmed that Phiri has a license for the gun. Jordan is now stable, and the police are still investigating. Phiri is facing charges of attempted murder for the incident.

Pastor Shoots Son, Mistaking Him For Intruder At Bulawayo Home

A 36-year-old self-styled prophet is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl who is a member of his church, the Tabernacle of Power Ministries in Chitungwiza.
According to <a href="https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/pastor-tino-allegedly-rapes-congregant-gives-her-morning-after-pills14/">HeraldOnline</a>, Prophet Tino, whose real name is Tendai Tinodiwanashe Mashongashika, recently appeared in court to respond to the allegations.
The incident reportedly happened on January 12, 2025, after a church service held at Pastor Tino’s home in Unit A. After the service, the youth chair lady asked the girl to stay behind and help arrange the chairs.
During this time, Pastor Tino allegedly took the girl into his bedroom, where he forced himself on her and raped her.
Afterward, he gave her a cloth to wipe off the blood and took her to her grandmother’s house. Before leaving, he prayed for her.
The girl did not initially tell anyone about the assault because Pastor Tino had told her not to. He allegedly said that no one would believe her because he is a pastor.
The next morning, on January 13, at around 6 AM, Pastor Tino met the girl again and gave her morning-after pills, instructing her on how to use them.
The rape was discovered on January 30 when the girl’s grandmother checked her cell phone and found WhatsApp messages from the pastor proposing love to the 14-year-old girl.
The grandmother also saw that the girl had been enquiring about morning-after pills and how to terminate a pregnancy. When she confronted her granddaughter, the girl did not disclose the rape.
However, the grandmother informed her aunt, and the teenager then revealed the abuse by Pastor Tino. A medical report was presented in court as evidence.

A man who calls himself a pastor is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl who goes to his church in Chitungwiza. The man allegedly assaulted her after a church service in his home. He then gave her morning-after pills to prevent pregnancy and told her not to tell anyone. The abuse was discovered when the girl's grandmother saw messages from the pastor on her phone and found out about the pills. The girl finally told her family about what happened, and now the man is facing charges in court.

Chitungwiza Pastor Allegedly Rapes Girl (14) And Gives Her Morning After Pills

Lloyd Kanyangarika Karuru, the founder of Followers of Christ Church International in Chinhoyi, has appeared in court on charges of raping his sister-in-law.
He was brought before regional magistrate Ignatius Mugova, who granted him free bail until January 10 for routine remand proceedings.
The allegations date back to 2019, when the complainant, a young woman living with Karuru’s family, reported repeated sexual abuse.
The court heard that Karuru manipulated their interactions, such as playing cellphone games, to initiate inappropriate contact, escalating to sexual acts without her consent.
He allegedly threatened her with harm if she disclosed the abuse, creating a climate of fear that allowed the abuse to continue until September 2023.
The complainant was later referred to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital for a medical examination, with findings expected to support the case against Karuru.
Prosecutor Mutsai Mollen Chitsiga said there is reasonable suspicion that Karuru committed the alleged offence.
Karuru, who is represented by Joshua Mangeyi, denies the allegations and will present his defence at the next court appearance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A pastor named Lloyd Karuru has been accused of raping his sister-in-law. He was given bail until January 10. The woman claimed the abuse started in 2019 and continued for many years. The pastor threatened her to keep quiet. The court heard that the pastor manipulated the situation to have sexual contact with the woman. The case will have more evidence after a medical examination. The pastor denies the accusations and will defend himself in court.

Free Bail Granted To Pastor Charged With Rape of Sister-in-Law

A pastor with the End Time Message church in Chiredzi fathered two children with a woman whose marriage he had officiated.
As reported by <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/pastor-sires-2-kids-with-woman-whose-marriage-he-solemnised/">The Mirror</a>, the marriage of Eunice Mururi and Farai Hatirarami broke down after DNA tests confirmed that Hatirarami was not the biological father of the children.
Pastor Pamire Vhetu was taken to Chiredzi Magistrate Court by Mururi for maintenance, where he confirmed that two of Mururi’s children, aged 8 and 4, were his but requested lower maintenance due to his lack of a regular salary.
DNA results seen by The Mirror confirmed that Hatirarami is not the father of the two kids.
The matter became public on October 7, 2024, when Mururi from Tshovani Township took the pastor to court for US$700 maintenance.
Vhetu, represented by Farai Chauke of F. Chauke and Associates, stated he is a pastor not on a payroll, relying on tithes and offerings, mainly food hampers.
He offered monthly maintenance of ZWG150 per child. 
Vhetu, who also farms at 3 Hectares Buffalo Ranch and has eight other children, told the court he has no bank account, only an EcoCash account.
He offered to buy school uniforms, pay school fees when due, and buy clothes in June or December.
In his opposing affidavit, Mhetu said: “Clothes are not bought on a monthly basis except for Elon Musk’s Children.”
Musk is a South African-born American billionaire entrepreneur and business magnate known for founding and leading several high-profile companies
Magistrate Diana Musiiwa dismissed the application by Mururi, saying the offer lacked sincerity. She ordered the pastor to pay US$175 per month for the support of both children.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A pastor had two kids with a woman he married. The woman's husband is not the real dad. The pastor doesn't have a regular job and asked for a lower payment for the kids. The pastor said he will pay less money because he doesn't have a lot. The court said he must pay $175 every month for the kids. The pastor will also buy school things for the kids. The pastor has other kids too. The court did not believe the pastor's offer was honest.

Chiredzi Pastor Fathers Children With Woman Whose Marriage He Officiated

The Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) is investigating the matter in which a local church bishop is accused of locking his physically challenged son inside a room for two years.
ACCZ, which is the umbrella body for apostolic churches in the country, said it will take action against the Zion Sabbath Christian Church bishop, Namatai Nemaramba if he is found guilty.
Members of the Zion Sabbath Christian Church are also demanding that the bishop resign from his post.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/abusive-bishop-under-probe/">The Manica Post</a>, secretary to the chairperson for ACCZ, Pedius Sikisa said:
<blockquote>
Our official position on the matter will be made public after September 30. We have yet to meet all the interested parties, that is church members, traditional leadership, Nemaramba, the family and the community.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that Nemaramba’s son, Joseph Nemaramba (21), was found malnourished, dirty and wounded all over the body in a room where he was kept by his father.
His limbs were reportedly crooked and he could neither talk nor walk.
Joseph was rescued by the community which was led by Acting Chief Saurombe.
Acting Chief Saurombe told The Manica Post that Nemaramba is now on the run and is suspected to have fled to Birchenough Bridge. Said the traditional leader:
<blockquote>
We suspect that Nemaramba fled to Birchenough Bridge. When we went to his homestead on Sunday for a cleansing ceremony, he was nowhere to be found.
We are making frantic efforts to locate him so that the cleansing ceremony is done so that his son can be healed.
We have information that there is a mole within his family who is tipping him off and helping him to escape from justice.
We will leave no stone unturned to bring him to book.
</blockquote>
The bishop was supposed to appear before Acting Chief Saurombe’s court on Sunday, but the Messenger of Court couldn’t find him at his homestead.
It is alleged that during an earlier court appearance, Nemaramba confessed that he caused his son’s illness.
He allegedly said his rituals to enhance his spiritual powers and attract more people to his church involved keeping his son captive in a room and denying him access to the outside world.
It is further alleged that Nemaramba surrendered the items he used in his rituals.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bishop Locks Paraplegic Son Inside A Room For Two Years

The Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe Domboramwari Assembly Sunday service degenerated into chaos yesterday after congregants blocked the introduction of a new resident pastor.
<a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/congregants-disrupt-church-service-force-pastor-to-leave-pulpit/">H-Metro</a> reported that a provincial church leader, identified as Pastor Hungwe, was heckled by church members and told to leave the pulpit while introducing the new pastor.
Irate church members waved placards written, “We want Chazika”, “Leave politics to politicians, kana vafundisi venyu vasina mabasa, ngavatsvage mabasa”.
Pastor Hungwe preached briefly before announcing that he had been sent to introduce a new resident pastor.
He said the incumbent, Pastor Pride Chazika, had been reassigned to the Stoneridge Assembly. Said Pastor Hungwe:
<blockquote>
We serve a God of seasons. Today I have come to announce a message from the provincial headquarters about a new pastor who will take you through this season.
</blockquote>
Some people believed to have been hired to disturb the announcement then disrupted the announcement and confronted Pastor Hungwe and forced him to leave the pulpit.
They waved placards and chanted words of protest, demanding that Pastor Chazika be retained.
The Domboramwari Assembly chairperson called for order to give Pastor Hungwe a chance to respond to the congregants’ demands. He said:
<blockquote>
Thank you for understanding. As children of God, since we are of the same faith and church, I have heard your message and I will take it as it is to the province.
I cannot say it is good or bad, but I will present it to the provincial leadership as it is that you do not want Pastor Chazika to be removed from this assembly.
</blockquote>
The new pastor and his wife, who were awaiting to be presented to the church, walked away as congregants continued to protest.
A senior church member claimed that Pastor Chazika was being persecuted. Said the congregant:
It doesn’t mean that we are against you, but the church leadership failed to address the matter of Pastor Chazika.
<blockquote>
Pastor Chazika has been reassigned to Stoneridge, not as a routine change, but as punishment for reprimanding one of the church board members’ wife for misbehaving at a meeting in Masvingo.
He was humiliated last Tuesday over this and forced to pack his belongings. He cried as he was not even allowed to say goodbye to his flock. That is unacceptable, musatambe nesu muchidaro.
Pastor Chazika has been with us for two years only and another pastor was also removed from here for preaching the true gospel and calling a spade a spade.
If we continue to allow leadership to treat people and junior pastors in this manner, we will also be held accountable for not defending their rights and instead siding with lies.
</blockquote>
Pastor Hungwe told the Assembly that he will return with the provincial leadership’s decision next Sunday.

AFM Congregants Heckle Pastor, Force Him To Leave Pulpit

A pastor with a local Pentecostal church has been sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison for raping his estranged girlfriend.
Pastor Tafadzwa Dhliwayo (26) of Glaudina, Harare, was recently convicted of rape following a full trial before Chinhoyi magistrate, Ignatius Mugova.
He was sentenced to 15 years in jail but 5 years of the jail term were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The complainant is a 21-year-old student at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).
Prosecutor Nyasha Sibesha told the court that on 30 May 2019, Dhliwayo visited his lover in Chinhoyi to fix some problems they were having in their relationship.
The complainant’s friends allegedly excused themselves and left the two in their rented room.
The complainant told Dhliwayo she was no longer interested in the broken relationship.
Dhliwayo reportedly asked for a kiss, but the woman refused, whereupon the man of the cloth pushed the victim onto the bed, and forcibly undressed her, before raping her once.
After committing the crime, Dhliwayo left the victim in the room and fled to Harare.
On the same day, the complainant told her colleagues about the rape but they advised her against reporting the rape since they were about to write exams.
The matter only came to light in December 2019 after the victim discovered she was pregnant.
The matter was reported at Chitungwiza Police Station, leading to Dhliwayo’s arrest.
The matter was, however, transferred to Chinhoyi where the crime was committed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/pastor-jailed-15-years-for-raping-ex-lover/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Pastor (26) Jailed 15 Years For Raping Estranged Lover

The United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) has ordained its first visually impaired pastor.
Reverend Caiphas Matinhe (61), was ordained by the church’s president, Reverend John Matiza, on Sunday last week.
Rev Matinhe urged church members to take ownership of the church and to serve sacrificially. He said:
<blockquote>
This year’s theme is that of ownership. Strive to be the owner of your church and be a team player. We like people who serve sacrificially.
What Rev Matinhe has done is a great work of sacrifice. It is fitting that Rev Godfery Dhundu and Rev Tennyson Mucheri recommended Caiphas Matinhe to be ordained as a reverend.
</blockquote>
Rev Matinhe was born on 25 October 1960 in Masimbe area under Chief Musikavanhu and became a devoted adherent of UCCZ Church.
He rose through the ranks of the youth system, the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) until he was made an evangelist.
Rev Matinhe dropped out of school while doing Grade Four due to challenges with his eyesight.
As an evangelist, Matinhe was first assigned to Mafumise Church, Gwenzi Church, before going to Mwacheta.
He has a wife and the couple has five children, four boys and one girl.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/uccz-ordains-visually-impaired-pastor/">The Manica Post</a></h4>

UCCZ Ordains First Visually Impaired Pastor

A Church of Christ pastor in Bulawayo recently appeared in court for robbing and raping a woman he had befriended in a bushy area near Entumbane suburb.
Samson Mudimba (37), appeared before magistrate Tancy Dube at Western Commonage Courts where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Dube remanded Mudimba in custody to 25 January. Dube advised the suspect to apply for bail at the High court.
It is alleged that Mudimba befriended a woman he had boarded a pirating commuter omnibus with.
The complainant intended to go to her home in the Cowdray Park suburb but the kombi broke down near a fuel station at Matshobane suburb and the driver refused to reimburse them.
It is further alleged that the complainant decided to spend the night at her relative’s place in Entumbane suburb.
Mudimba allegedly told the woman that he was a police officer stationed at Entumbane police station and persuaded her into walking with him.
However, along the way, Mudimba allegedly became violent and grabbed the woman by her hand while threatening to kill her if she screamed.
He reportedly raped the woman once in a bushy area and robbed her of US$54, ZW$40 and R20.
Mudimba also forced his victim to surrender her cellphone before walking off and leaving her stranded.
The woman reported the robbery and rape at Entumbane police station.
An investigation by the police led to the arrest of Mudimba.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/pastor-waylays-rapes-and-robs-woman/">B-Metro</a></h4>

Pastor Befriends, Rapes And Robs Woman

In a bizarre incident, a Zimbabwean pastor was caught on camera in front of a shocked congregation locking his lips to those of a young brown-skinned female congregant in a bid to drive demons out of her.
The exact identity of the pastor or the location of the church could not be ascertained in the video uploaded on social media by veteran trade unionist, Raymond Majongwe. Watch the video below:
<div>
<video controls="controls" height="360" preload="metadata" width="640"><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pastor-Kisses-Congregant.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pastor-Kisses-Congregant.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Pastor Locks His Lips On Female Congregant To Cast Out Demons

David Dambuka a pastor, from Gutu is bedridden and battling for his life after being poisoned by his son.  The son committed the foul deed after allegedly, being inducted into “satanism.” The son was a form four pupil at Mushayavanhu High School where he was reportedly inducted into satanism by one of his teachers.  The son laced his father’s food with an unknown substance.  After eating, the father started vomiting. A dog which ate the leftovers reportedly died on the spot.
Speaking to the Chronicle, the chairperson of the Mushayavanhu High School Development Committee, Mr Saul Tarume said:
<blockquote>The story is long.  When we got wind of the incident we had a meeting with school authorities where everything was revealed. The situation is back to normal but the boy’s father is writhing in agony at home as he failed to get assisted at the hospital.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/son-poisons-dad-in-satanism-scare/" target="_blank">Chronicle</a>

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