Gospel artists reveal threats before prayer for embattled minister
Gospel artist Ayanda Ntanzi, performing at a prayer for on-leave Police Minister Senzo Mchunu at the Mbombela Civic Centre in Mpumalanga.
Image: Supplied
Gospel artists booked to perform at a national prayer for on-leave Police Minister Senzo Mchunu have finally broken their silence regarding the "climate of fear" that nearly derailed the event.
The prayer session, held last weekend at the Mbombela Civic Centre in Mpumalanga, was scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM but was delayed by two hours. Performers and congregants alike reported receiving targeted threats intended to stop the gathering from proceeding.
One prominent artist, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed shock that the intimidation appeared to stem from within Mchunu’s own political party.
"I am not into politics, but I was stunned to receive threats from people within the same party as Senzo Mchunu," the artist said. "I would have expected this from opposition parties, not from within. I almost pulled out, but my conscience wouldn't let me; I had already been paid, and my accommodation was booked."
Despite the tension, the spirit of the event remained unbroken. As the music finally filled the hall, the faithful turned their focus toward the embattled minister, who is currently navigating a leave of absence while the Madlanga Commission investigates explosive allegations. The commission is looking into claims made by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding political interference and alleged ties between Mchunu and the criminal underworld.
The officiating clergy remained defiant, preaching well into early morning. Their message was one of radical grace: it is not the place of the church to judge.
Pastor Busisiwe Ngcobo of The Church of Jesus Christ, who traveled from Durban, emphasised the human element of the political scandal.
"This is a bad situation," Ngcobo said. "Think of Mchunu’s children. Think of what his wife is enduring. We came to stand with the family and offer our prayers during this time."
The poster that was promoting on-leave Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's prayer in Mpumalanga where gospel artists performed.
Image: Supplied
Other leaders offered a stern warning, suggesting that if Mchunu distanced himself from the church during this period, he would find the road ahead even more difficult. Bishop Pretty Mhlongo-Sithole, from Pienaar, in Mpumalanga invoked biblical history to justify the gathering.
"Even Paul was prayed for while he was in jail. We see no reason to fear praying for Mchunu," Mhlongo-Sithole declared. "No human has the power to judge another, regardless of the accusations. No court has found him guilty; therefore, in our eyes and in the eyes of Jehovah, he is innocent."
While Mchunu did not attend the event personally, his spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed that the Minister was aware of the prayer and had given the organisers his blessing.