Attack on Zuurbekom IPHC Church Linked to Succession Disputes, Finds CRL Rights Commission

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) has concluded that the deadly attack on the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) in Zuurbekom on 11 July 2020, which resulted in five deaths, was primarily driven by succession disputes within the church. The commission initiated a mediation process last week to bring together four factions vying for control of the church.

The succession crisis began following the death of the IPHC’s founder and leader, Frederick Samuel Modise, in September 1998. His son, Glayton Modise, assumed leadership until his death in February 2016. Glayton left an intestate will valued at approximately R400 million, including luxury cars, properties, investments, and cash. Michael Sandlana was appointed church leader after Glayton’s passing, but the succession remains contested among Glayton’s sons and others.

A court case over the succession matter has been ongoing for five years and shows no sign of resolution. The CRL Rights Commission emphasized the need for a workable solution to stop the conflict, as the church is meant to be a safe environment for religious practice. One group declined the commission’s invitation, stating they were not involved in the attack and that the succession trial is still pending in court.

The commission found that the contested succession, along with issues of power and financial assets, were central to the conflict. It noted that the lack of a clear succession plan is not unique to the IPHC but has affected other churches, leading to legal battles over leadership and assets. The commission highlighted the broader implications of the commercialization of religion and the abuse of people’s belief systems.

The commission has called for the development of guidelines on succession planning within the religious sector, in consultation with the broader church community. This initiative aims to address the systemic issues contributing to conflict and ensure the protection of religious freedom and the sanctity of worship spaces.

Source: Read the original report