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IN HIDING: A Uniting Reformed Church priest outside the Protea Glen police station yesterday after being arrested for theft and malicious damage to property. PHOTO: SIBUSISO MSIBI

The Uniting Reformed Church minister's arrest follows a charge of theft and malicious damage to property laid against him by a congregant.

The congregant allegedly lent his car to the priest in 2010 to use as he did not own a car at the time.

"I lent him the car in February 2010. In September last year I checked on the car with the minister and realised that the engine was missing," the congregant said.

The minister, who cannot be named until he appears in court, had allegedly promised to fix the car but has yet to do so.

"He promised me in October last year he would fix my car, but now he does not answer my calls," he said.

The minister was arrested just as the church service concluded, but many of the congregants were still there to witness the arrest.

As they filed out of the church, some members showed their displeasure at the arrest.

"This man is so bitter. To bring the cops to the church and have him arrested at the pulpit," one of the congregants said.

His wife, who cannot be named to protect his identity, was also displeased and said the congregant was jealous of her husband, who is a member of the South African Council of Churches.

The minister was taken to the Protea Glen police station in Soweto.

"He has been arrested for malicious damage to property and theft of a vehicle," police spokesman Warrant Officer Kay Makhubele said.

He is expected to appear in the Protea Magistrate's Court today. - nkosin@sowetan.co.za

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Wed May 22 22:15:35 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 23, 2012

Korea

Everytime the black man faces the cosequences of his deeds we deem it as jealousy why??? The wife said the congregant was jealous of her husband why???
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Jul 23, 2012

Pointman

So why not ask the minister for his side of the story. Did he send the engine for repairs or did he sell it? This kind of sensational reporting should not be tolerated by the editor.
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Jul 23, 2012

Kinggeezo

Guys come on. How does one remove an engine of a car without notifying the owner? How can one be jealous of you if he/she borrowed you their car?
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Jul 23, 2012

januswanus

Haaai someone o ja mogatsa wa e mongwe.
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Jul 23, 2012

Real-Mogwanthi

There is no jealousy involved here, this guy cannnot work or modify this car without the owner's concern....*DONE*
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Jul 23, 2012

MommaC

The Uniting Reformed Church

LOL
Just not 'uniting' engine with car
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Jul 23, 2012

WarrenG

Ja , can't trust these Christians...scammers and con artists, getting people to give them money and other things
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Jul 23, 2012

golezwa

but jealousy and other staff aside, you cant just remove ones car engine without them knowing, an engine is very important part of the car, with very sensitive information
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Jul 23, 2012

Real-Mogwanthi

@Golezwa

Exactly my point, i was gonna press charges aswell.
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Jul 23, 2012

imd

eh lend a car for what....1yr 8months???? itjo!
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