Slain Diepsloot pastor has been described as the epitome of a true servant of God and community

Local ward councillor said Diepsloot community has been robbed of its good servant that served community with love

October 24, 2022

Nduduzo Nxumalo 1 minute read

Diepsloot community members celebrate the life of Pastor Vincent Skhakhane. Photo: Nduduzo Nxumalo

Diepsloot community members came in their numbers to celebrate the life of Pastor Vincent Skhakhane in a memorial service held at Diepsloot Youth Centre on October 19.

Skhakhane was killed on October 14 when five armed men allegedly stormed Holiness Christian Revival Church during a night vigil and robbed congregants of their belongings and shot two congregants and the pastor.

Pastor Bert Pretorius of Rhema Network speaks at the memorial service of Pastor Vincent Skhakhane. Photo: Nduduzo Nxumalo

ALSO READ: Pastor shot and killed during a robbery at a Diepsloot church

Skhakhane succumbed to injuries on his arrival at a local health facility while the other two members were rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

Speakers at an emotional memorial service described Skhakhane as a man who loved his family and the Diepsloot community with all his heart.

Family members of Pastor Vincent Skhakhane can not hold their tears back during an emotional memorial service. Photo: Nduduzo Nxumalo

Senior pastor at the church Freddie Mzila said Skhakhane was an epitome of a true servant of God and community.

He added what happened on that fatal night had left him with many unanswered questions.

“This young man loved God, his family and Diepsloot community with all his heart. Whenever I was away on missionary work, I knew that the church was in good hands with him. He died trying to protect women and children who were being harassed by criminals.”

Leaders of Holiness Christian Revival Church Nombuso Mzila and Freddie Mzila speak at the memorial service. Photo: Nduduzo Nxumalo

ALSO READ: Family of a Diepsloot slain pastor lives in fear after their cell phones are stolen

Local ward councillor Julius Maake urged members of the community to continue Skhakhane’s legacy of serving and treating others with love.

Holiness Christian Revival Church leaders and family of Pastor Vincent Skhakhane attend the memorial service held at Diepsloot Youth Centre. Photo: Nduduzo Nxumalo

“Our community has been robbed of its good servant. We will not sit back and fold our arms while the churches are being attacked day after day. I call upon all of you present here to work with the police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. We will not rest until these criminals are apprehended to pay for their sins,” he said.

Skhakhane is survived by his wife Thandeka Mazibuko-Skhakhane and two children and will be laid to rest in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal on October 22.

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