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Local pastor sentenced to 5 years for theft of firearms
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General, has welcomed the five years jail term that was handed down by the Senwabarwana Regional court against the founder and leader of In His Presence Ministries Church, Pastor Walter Mashalane aged 46 years, for theft of firearms, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The sentence was handed down on Friday 15 July 2022.
According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela, the trial court found that accused approached one of his congregants and requested that she brings two firearms which were belonging to her husband with the intention of praying for them because he said he had a negative premonitions about them in 2019.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says woman complied and handed the two firearms to Pastor Mashalane without the knowledge of the lawful owner.
Motlafela Mojapelo further says afterwards, the lawful owner approached the Pastor and asked him to hand them back but he refused.
Mojapelo says a case of theft of firearms was subsequently opened and was later transferred to the Provincial Detectives for investigation.
“During the arrest, police found one firearm with ammunition concealed inside a ceiling after a thorough probe in the house. The other firearm was never recovered. The accused was later granted a free bail with a warning until his five year imprisonment on the said day and also declared to unfit to possess a firearm.
“I applaud the positive outcome of the court proceedings for the incarceration of Pastor Mashalane and this should serve as a deterrence to other Pastors that no one is above the law. Pastors are supposed to provide spiritual guidance to the society but not to be involved in criminal activities”. Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
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