Man’s Hands Severed by Pastor Over Theft Allegations – South African News

A Shocking Incident in Kwa-Guqa, Emalahleni

In a horrifying incident in Kwa-Guqa, Emalahleni, 29-year-old Dumisani Mahlangu had both his hands severed with a panga after being accused of stealing from a church. The shocking act was allegedly carried out by a local pastor and his son, who have since been arrested and charged with attempted murder and kidnapping. The case, which has left the community in disbelief, has been widely reported, including by *Sowetan LIVE*.

Mahlangu, who was discharged from the hospital last week, admitted to having a history of theft but denied the specific allegations that led to the brutal attack. “I begged him to at least leave me with one hand,” Mahlangu recounted, “but he said my friends must see what happens to people who steal from him.”

The Incident Unfolds

On March 20, Mahlangu was allegedly ambushed while passing through the yard of the Kwa-Guqa church. According to him, a group of armed men accused him of stealing, assaulted him, and then called the pastor. “I was on my way to a friend’s house at around 7 a.m. and took a shortcut through the churchyard. Suddenly, four men approached me, accusing me of theft. As I tried to flee, I heard gunshots and was forced to stop,” Mahlangu said.

He claimed the pastor’s son called his father, informing him that Mahlangu had been caught. Shortly after, the pastor arrived in a van, accompanied by his wife in another vehicle. Mahlangu said he was tied up, beaten, and taken to a secluded area in Kromdraai, where the gruesome act occurred.

“I didn’t know what they were planning,” Mahlangu explained. “They tied me up, placed my hand on a tree branch, and the pastor used a panga to chop off my hands while others held me down.”

A Cry for Help

After the attack, Mahlangu managed to stumble to the main road despite his severe injuries. “I begged them to call an ambulance, but they refused. One of them said, ‘A man dies in battle,’” Mahlangu said. Help eventually came from nearby woodcutters, who, though initially hesitant to approach him, contacted security officers from a nearby mine. The security team transported him to a clinic in Kwa-Guqa, where he received medical attention.

A Troubled Past and Unjust Accusations

Mahlangu admitted to having a troubled past, including drug use and theft to support his addiction. However, he vehemently denied stealing from the church. “Yes, I have stolen before, but I’ve never taken anything from the church,” he insisted.

The local Community Policing Forum (CPF) noted that drug addicts in the area often resorted to stealing steel and other materials to sell at scrapyards. Despite Mahlangu’s reputation, many believe the pastor’s actions were extreme and unjustified.

Legal Proceedings and Community Outrage

The pastor, Apostle Solomon Mhlanga, 58, and his 20-year-old son Enoch appeared in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court. Both face charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many questioning the morality and legality of such vigilante justice.

As the case unfolds, Mahlangu’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of taking the law into one’s hands.