Johannesburg (AFP) – Rival congregations at a South African church have clashed in a dispute over the preacher, reportedly brandishing sticks, whips, machetes, batons and firearms, police said on Tuesday.
Angry Methodists in the southeastern village of Mazizini became involved in a standoff after one faction opposing the church’s preacher set up a marquee in the yard and held a rival Sunday service.
Police spokesman Mzukisi Fatyela told AFP that police rushed to the scene after being notified that worshippers had drawn a host of weapons in confrontation, though only sticks were recovered when they arrived at the scene.
“We were told they were using pangas (machetes), sticks and firearms,” said Fatyela, adding that no serious injuries occurred and no charges were filed.
Police quelled the clashes and got one group to pull down its tent and erect it elsewhere, away from the church.
A long-running leadership feud appears to have sparked the skirmishes, which according to local paper, The Dispatch, sent bible-clutching women, sporting the trademark Methodist Church red-black-and-white uniforms scampering for cover.
“It’s something that started some time, two years back. Sometimes we resolve it by speaking to them, sometimes they fight saying they don’t want this reverend, they want this umfundisi (priest),” the police spokesman said.
The church could not be reached for comment.
