EVATON.- The founder and leader of Gabola Church for all Nations, Pope Tsietsi Makiti (55), together with his wife, Lydia Makiti (47) were arrested and charged under the Covid-19 regulations in Evaton North yesterday.
Five other members of the church were also arrested with the pair and while they were released on R1 000 bail each, the couple were released on R3 000 bail each.
The arrest took place after the members had gathered for what looked like a church service, they were also found in possession of alcohol which was allegedly stocked at Makiti’s home. Gabola Church prides itself in having members that drink alcohol, it also allows members to drink freely during its services and members are even baptized with alcoholic beverages of their choice.
During the arrest, alcoholic beverages were seized in abundance, but Makiti pointed out that his home was not a shebeen but a place of worship.
“We represent peace in all areas of life, we were also maintaining social distancing,” he said.
Makiti subsequently asked the local press to refer to the gathering as an opportunity for an interview as opposed to an illegal gathering. He said that a delegation from Germany had already been to his home and were already gone when the police arrived.
The group’s next court appearance is on May 28.
