Irate members of Nyambadwe Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) congregation in Blantyre on Sunday dragged their pastor to police in protest over the church leadership’s alleged failure to resolve their grievances.
Representatives of the flock found at Kabula Police Unit in the city alleged that Pastor Davie Muhanda was abusing his position and insulting the church; hence, their petition to the SDA South Malawi Field for intervention.
Said one of the elders: “We [the flock] had followed the laid procedures which the church demands of us that if there are any grievances with our pastor we should follow. We have tried as much as possible, but one thing that has not pleased us is that our officers at the field region office have not been able to help us and our fear is that the issue has been handled by one person.”
The faithful said they felt cheated by the church leadership.
In an interview on Monday, SDA South Malawi Field president Elthias Luwani confirmed receiving the letter from the Christians and said they were still looking into the matter.
He said his office reported the matter to police after Muhanda sent a save our souls (SOS) call that some members of the church were at his house threatening to vandalise property.
Police advised the faithful to go home and leave the matter in their hands since they were discussing with their church elders, but the flock refused, demanding that Muhanda leave the compound.
The police said they had given an order to Muhanda not to be found at the church premises and not to lead any ceremony concerning Nyambadwe district of SDA until the issue is resolved.
