Seventh-Day Adventist Church Elder Arrested for Threatening Pastor in Malawi

A Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) church elder in Blantyre, Malawi, is in police custody for allegedly threatening the church’s pastor and elders. Nedi Kachimanga, 47, is expected to leave his position as church elder during elections set for December 31, 2015.

Blantyre police confirmed Kachimanga’s arrest on Wednesday, stating he allegedly sent threatening messages to Pastor Masco S. Chataika and a new elder, Mr. Eneya, via SMS. The threats were sent following a long-standing disagreement over church affairs.

Kachimanga and his accomplices, who remain unidentified, sent the alleged SMSs through a new Sim Card before discarding it. Law-enforcers are currently searching for his accomplices. Kachimanga, an electrical contractor by profession, is set to end his tenure as church elder this month.

Information from Nyasa Times indicates that Kachimanga and Pastor Chataika have had a contentious relationship, particularly over church finances. Kachimanga is not new to controversy, having previously man-handled Chataika’s predecessor. Chataika joined the church in July this year.

Church leaders and members have expressed concern over the ongoing conflict within the Namiwawa SDA Church. The situation has raised questions about leadership and the need for unity, with some calling for a reevaluation of the church’s direction and practices.

As the investigation continues, the church community is urged to reflect on the importance of accountability and reconciliation, as seen in (Micah 6:8) and (Proverbs 31:8-9). The incident highlights the need for leaders to act with integrity and wisdom, fostering an environment of peace and worship.

Source: Read the original report

Source record preserved at time of reporting.