A well-known pastor in Venda, Mashudu Mutobvu, is concerned about being mistaken for one of the six suspects accused of killing Avhatakali Netshisaulu, the late son of City Press editor Mathatha Tsedu.

Amongst the six suspects accused of killing Netshisaulu, there is another Mashudu Motobvu, 33, who is still languishing in prison while awaiting trial as they were denied bail since the killing that happened last year.

Since it was revealed in the media that Mashudu Motobvu was one of the suspects, many people have phoned Pastor Mutobvu’s elder brothers, Thivhilaeli and Mushathoni, inquiring about the matter.

At first, Pastor Mutobvu, founder and leader of Word of Faith Christian Fellowship Church based in Maniini, near Thohoyandou, did not take the matter of mistaken identity seriously. However, he became concerned when his family informed him about the growing number of people who are raising their concern and disappointment about "his alleged involvement in crime."

"I took this matter seriously when many people just started staring at me without saying anything whenever they saw me. I also went to SABC regional offices in Polokwane, where I asked for a chance to clear my name on the air. After a long time of persuasions and negotiations, I was given an opportunity to clear my name through Y fm, Thobela FM, Munghana Lonene FM and Phalaphala FM."

He added that there are still people who believe that he is an offender "and some told me I was released because I have money," says the worried Pastor Mutobvu.

Co-incidentally, Pastor Mutobvu’s family is very close to the Tsedu family as the two families were involved in the struggle against the previous regime through Azapo. In-fact, Pastor Mutobvu’s elder brother, Thivhilaeli, is a very close friend of Mathatha while the pastor is a very close to Mathata’s younger brother, Boiki Tsedu, the spokesperson for Popcru.