Pretoria - A murder and assault allegation has marred already tense relations in the International Pentecost Holiness Church.
The high court in Pretoria heard of the violence that took place on Wednesday night between church members.
Judge Sulet Potterill was informed of the alleged violence and had some stern words for the congregation.
“I was terribly shocked and I had goose pimples when I saw you in court (on Tuesday). You all looked as pretty as a picture. Not in a long time have I seen such a mass of people in court and you adhered to the court’s strict decorum. But just this morning I was informed that there was serious violence from church-goers. That pretty picture that I had has completely dissolved,” the judge said.
“I realise there are practicalities to running a church but let’s not take the law into our own hands. Please let the courts decide on this matter,” she said.
She was a Christian herself and was shocked that she would hear of such violence by fellow Christians.
Judge Potterill then quoted two Bible verses to further prove the point that murder was a sin and those who hated their brothers were also guilty of murder.
It is alleged that some church members were abducted and violently assaulted and one member had died from his injuries.
Nothing was mentioned about whether or not anyone was arrested.
The court was packed with church elders, eager to hear how the proceedings were going.
Outside the court thousands of other church members forced Madiba Street to be closed by traffic authorities as they sang during and after proceedings.
The church has been split down the middle in a succession battle since the death of its leader, Reverend Glayton Modise, in February.
His son, Tshepiso (Tshepo) Modise, has said his father handed the reins over to him and he is the rightful leader of the church.
Tshepiso is the leader of the executive committee which was appointed by Judge Judy Kollapen.
Later Judge Peter Mabuse made a declaration order in the same court that allowed for the executive committee to take over the daily activities of managing the church.
Some members of the congregation are dissatisfied with Tshepiso as the head of the church, which led Reverend Alfred Mohlala and others to apply for leave to appeal Judge Mabuse’s order.
Judge Potterill, who heard the case on Thursday in Judge Kollapen’s absence, postponed the matter to Monday for Judge Kollapen to handle the application for leave to appeal.