MAKWARELA – The pastor of the AFM in Makwarela, Pastor Tshililo Netshifhefhe was suspended for a month after an investigation by the regional church council.

"Mirror's readers were fed with false information in the article dated January 23, 2004 which shows that war in the AFM church has ended," said the leader of the concerned group, Mr Kenny Mathivha.

"During the meeting led by Dr Mackson, I was forced to apologise, but I did not, because I know the information that the pastor uses vulgar words to the church members is true," Mathivha said.

"Some of the community members are not prepared to attend services by Pastor Netshifhefhe or to attend preach funeral services, due to his unacceptable behaviour," Mathivha ads.

"He will come back to carry on with his job in March this year," Mathivha continues.

Mirror managed to get hold of the letter written by Pastor Tshililo Netshifhefhe on December 29, 2003, in which he asked to be demoted, because he committed a fault in the eyes of the Lord and the church. Mathivha blamed the Church Board for hiding the letter until he received it recently.

According to Mathivha, the regional Council of the AFM led by Dr Mackson Mahanzwana has let down the AFM and their leadership leaves much to be desired.

In the letter written by pastor Tshililo Netshifhefhe, he mentioned that the evil spirit had once conquered him. "Please help me and after all demote me," wrote Netshifhefhe.

"The problems in the Faith Mission Church started long ago, basically after the departure of honorable pastor Ragimana," Mathivha added.

"Pastor Netshifhefhe took over and led the church with respect, but he diverged from God's track and led the AFM wrongly," said Mathivha.