The Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa (EPCSA) has placed Reverend Bongani Khoza on immediate leave of absence.
This after allegations of abuse towards his late wife Makgotso Khoza. It is alleged that Makgotso was in an abusive marriage. And at the beginning of 2023 she was hospitalised due to the abuse by her husband.
Allegations further say the church was aware of the abuse, but did not inform the deceased’s family.
The church has since issued a statement saying they are aware of the reports circulating on social media platforms.
“The church leadership is aware of the allegations as per recently circulated videos, messages, and pictures across various social media platforms with allegations of perpetuated physical abuse by Reverend Bongani Emmanuel Khoza over his departed wife Juffrou (sic) Makgotso Sindiswa Khoza,” said the church in a statement.
They described the allegations as unsettling and deceiving to some extent and bringing the entire EPCSA into disrepute – and cannot be taken lightly.
“We hereby confirm that EPCSA has zero tolerance to Gender Based Violence (GBV) and takes such allegations very seriously.
“An urgent and special meeting of the Synod Executive Committee (SEC) will be convened on the 11th of November 2023 to deal with the matter. We confirm that a formal public response will be made immediately after this SEC meeting.
“Rev Khoza has been placed on immediate leave of absence pending the outcome of the investigation process. We thus hereby implore our members to remain calm while the church deals with this matter.”
Meanwhile, Zoleka Mashiane, who is the sister of the deceased, has shared that the alleged perpetrator has opened a protection order against her.
“Please note, I have been served with a protection order, from henceforth until further notice. I won’t be able to do any interviews nor comment on the issue of my late sister,” Mashiane said.
The story of a lady by the name of Makgotso Sindiswa Khoza who passed away on Friday, 20 October 2023 is making rounds on social media.
Makgotso was married to Bongani Khoza, a pastor at Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the East Rand branch. Makgotso had allegedly been pic.twitter.com/g0o76qzBPR
— Get it Right With Rea (@GetitRightRea) November 1, 2023
