WHEN a homeless man asked for shelter at Glory Healing Centre Church, congregants fell in love with him. They even nicknamed him the homeless pastor.
However, they soon found out he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The man allegedly robbed 10 members of the church in Braamfischerville, Soweto, of their laptops, cellphones and money after pretending he could fix electronic devices.
Nokuthula Maleka (47), who introduced the man to the church, said she first met him when he knocked on her door and asked for food at the end of last year.
She gave him food and made him feel at home before taking him to church. This was after he said he could play musical instruments.
“Everyone at church was happy and pastor Michael Khomane said he could handle the music system.”
Nokuthula said after the man told church members he could fix laptops, cellphones and even washing-machines, members started bringing their appliances to him to fix. But last week, he allegedly disappeared with their belongings.
Church leader pastor Sydney Mafanya (47) said when the man joined the church, it was like a blessing from heaven. He said the man wowed congregants on New Year’s Eve when he prayed and sang songs of hope.
Pastor Amika Adeola (35) of nearby Impact Ministries said he also met the man and was amazed at his musical abilities.
“I was very disappointed when I heard he’d run away with people’s possessions.”
Police spokeswoman Captain Jeanette Phefo said a case of theft was opened. “No arrest has been made and investigations are continuing.”