Murder accused pastor’s mother: I won’t pay bail

MFABANTFU – Alice Shabangu, mother of alleged killer pastor Nkosingiphile Allen Zwane, says she will not pay bail for her son and wants the law to take its course.

Shabangu made the statement during the Apostolic Faith Church International service at Mfabantfu yesterday, following the arrest of Zwane, who is alleged to have killed four women.

She appealed to congregants not to raise or donate money towards her son’s bail, saying lives had been lost.

“How could I pay his bail as there are souls that have been lost in this matter?” she asked.

Shabangu said she had heard that people on social media were claiming she would pay her son’s bail, as she allegedly did during a previous arrest.

She denied this, explaining that Zwane had previously been held at Sidwashini Correctional Services for about two years before being released after his trial found no proof.

Shabangu said she had been deeply affected by the latest events and might have suffered a heart attack if it had not been for the support she received from congregants and other people.

She thanked those who had supported her since the incident and said she had never imagined that such an incident could happen inside the church.

Shabangu also expressed concern about the children Zwane had left behind, saying the family now had to provide items such as disposables for the young children.

She said some of the children’s mothers had already been caring for them before Zwane’s arrest.

Shabangu sympathised with the church overseer and the wider church, urging members to look towards the future and continue worshipping God.

Meanwhile, Apostolic Faith Church International Treasurer Moses Nyembe said the church was still struggling to come to terms with the situation.

“We are not here to crucify one another but to cry before God,” Nyembe said.

He said it was difficult for church leaders to speak to members about the incident.

Nyembe said he had been comforted during his own mourning period by one of the affected families.

He clarified that the church services had not been suspended by police but through a resolution of the church Board.

He said the incident did not mean the Word of God had failed and urged members to remain steadfast.

“Mane tinkantolo telive tingasenteli phansi,” Nyembe said, referring to earthly courts and the eternal judgment that awaits.

He urged the courts not to let down the nation.