MANZINI – The Apostolic Faith Church International Board has resolved that the Mfabantfu branch will resume church services in a month’s time.
This decision comes after three weeks without services. The suspension of services at the Apostolic Faith Church International branch at Mfabantfu, Matsapha, follows one of the most shocking criminal discoveries in Eswatini’s history.
The pastor in question, 40-year-old Nkosingiphile Allan Zwane, was arrested following a breakthrough in police investigations. He currently faces six severe criminal charges, including four counts of murder and two counts under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act.
According to court records and police files, Zwane allegedly lured the women by connecting with them on Facebook or during commutes, often promising them employment opportunities or a lunch outing.
Once he brought them to the church premises, he allegedly raped and murdered them inside the building. He is then accused of wrapping their bodies in a green sail and sacks before burying them in a shallow ditch adjacent to the church premises.
The four victims have since been identified as Bongiwe Phetsile Mkhonta, Samkelisiwe Shabangu, Noncedo Mohale and Nolwazi Nonhlanhla Langa. A chilling detail of the investigation revealed that all four bodies bore identical strangulation marks.
Zwane has appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court and remains remanded in custody as forensic teams and the police continue to process the crime scene to secure further physical evidence from the building.
Speaking to this publication, the Apostolic Faith Church Senior Pastor, Khonza Ntshakala, confirmed the Board’s resolution that church services would resume after a month.
“Currently, church services will remain suspended until mid-to-late August, at which they will resume,” he said. Ntshakala stated that before services resume, the congregation will hold a mass prayer.
He noted that while some individuals have suggested the church should be demolished, the church Board has decided against destroying the structure. Ntshakala emphasised that only one person is alleged to have committed the criminal offences.
He added that the umphakatsi has also advised them not to demolish the building. Furthermore, Ntshakala expressed his gratitude for the words of comfort they have received from other emaSwati, mentioning that this support is strengthening the church.
