Congregants in court for public violence

Twenty-three congregants of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) at Danisani village in Mahwelereng outside Mokopane who appeared in the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Monday following their arrest at church on Saturday on various charges relating to public violence, are expected to appear in court again tomorrow (Friday) and on 28 February respectively.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe indicated that all suspects were released on warning. Eleven of the suspects are under the age of 18 and expected back in court tomorrow after the case was postponed for the probation officer’s preliminary assessment and for further Police investigations.
The other twelve, all older than 18, were warned to appear in court again on 28 February, according to Ngoepe.
It is alleged that two rival groups of the church had an altercation during a church service which was followed by violent actions resulting in several people being assaulted and vehicles parked on the church premises being damaged.
The Police were summoned and arrested 23 suspects who face charges of public violence, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, common assault and malicious damage to property, according to Ngoepe, who added that Police confiscated more than 20 petrol bombs and a knife during the arrest.

Story: RC Myburgh
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