A Burundian pastor has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a South African woman more than 40 times in an attack that has left her fighting for her life in hospital.
The woman, who remains in intensive care, was allegedly attacked at her home during the early hours of the morning. Her young daughter was also injured after she was allegedly stabbed while trying to intervene.
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma brought public attention to the incident while visiting the home of artist Pastor Mjosty, whose support for the movement was publicly acknowledged by the organisation on 30 June. Pastor Mjosty (born Mjostana Mbhele) is a comedian and artist. He is best known for his highly entertaining comedic movie series Kwaito Church Service.
According to Ngobese-Zuma, she received a distress call from Pastor Mjosty informing her that his sister had been brutally attacked. She alleged that the victim had previously attended a church led by the Burundian pastor before it was shut down, after which she joined another congregation.
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In a later update, March and March alleged that the suspect and the victim had previously been romantically involved and that the woman had obtained a protection order against him about a year ago. The movement further claimed the pastor later resumed contacting her, accusing her of ending the relationship because her brother disapproved of him over his opposition to March and March.
“The Burundi Pastor and the sister were in a relationship, and a year ago she went to get a protection order against him! After a while he started calling her again, saying he knows that the reason she broke up with him is because his brother hates him because he supports March and March…that is what angered him the most, and he wanted to unalive her! He is currently in hospital after attempting to commit suicide while in a holding cell and he is currently acting like a madman,” Ngobese-Zuma added.
She further alleged that after March and March publicly recognised Pastor Mjosty’s support for the movement, the suspect contacted the woman to question why her brother was backing the organisation. She claimed the woman responded that her brother was free to support whoever he chose.
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She alleged that the pastor later went to the woman’s home and stabbed her more than 40 times before turning on her daughter. A neighbour reportedly chased after the suspect and alerted police, leading to his arrest.
According to the latest update from the organisation, the suspect is currently under police guard in hospital after allegedly attempting to take his own life while being held in custody. The movement also claimed he has been behaving erratically.
Police have confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a 49-year-old foreign national was arrested shortly after the attack and is expected to appear in court once charged. Police confirmed that the victim sustained multiple stab wounds and remains in hospital, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.
The motive for the attack remains the subject of the police investigation, and authorities have not confirmed allegations linking the incident to the March and March movement or the victim’s previous relationship with the suspect.
