Elmon Tshikhudo
Pastors have been hosting online church services because of lockdown – but not this pastor from Sibasa in Thohoyandou.
On Sunday, Innocent Muritho and his friends were busy drinking and boasting about their sexual escapades on social media.
The self-styled pastor who is the founder of the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry that has a large following with its headquarters in Sibasa has landed himself in trouble with his congregation after posting a series of online videos. The pastor is visibly intoxicated.
But the pastor has been condemned by his church members and the community.
The pastor, who enjoys the good life and flashy cars, posted an apology on his Facebook page which was immediately deleted but not before his followers could grab screenshots of the apology.
He again posted a full apology on his Facebook page on Monday.
In his apology he said he suffered a lot of persecution and he was under pressure.
“Unfortunately I have acted in ways that are not acceptable to any of you,” he said.
“I’m sorry for the horrible example I have set. I’m so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment to all of you.”
He said he was caught in a moment of weakness where he did things he was not supposed to do.
Vhembe Pastors Forum chairperson, Dr Alunamutwe Randitsheni said the conduct of the independent prophets is bringing the church into disrepute.
“We are aware of the strange things happening in these ministries but there is nothing we can do as they are not our members,” Randitsheni said.
Muritho’s phone was answered by a woman who identified herself as his personal assistant.
“The prophet is busy and he will not be doing any interviews,” she said before hanging up.
