Residents torch vehicles over ‘snake’ pastor rumours

A crowd of mostly youthful residents of Lilongwe’s Area 25 Township and the police were yesterday embroiled in running battles after unkown people spread rumours  that Foster Mbale (in the picture), a pastor of  Christ of All Nations Church, had turned into a snake. The residents stoned the police but not before they smashed and set on fire vehicles belonging to the church, stoned the church premises and beat up worshippers with police retaliating with tear gas and arrests. In an interview at his house, Mbale described the allegations as unfounded and shocking, saying he was at home when the incident happened.  “I just received a phone call from a pastor at our church that people were alleging that I have turned into a snake. Malawians can fabricate matters, it happened just a few weeks ago to Pastor Simama and today it’s this. They have destroyed three vehicles and other church properties, but I will not stop ministering because I know the devil is afraid,” said Mbale. Lilongwe Police deputy public relations officer Kingsley Dandaula said he was yet to get details; hence, could not immediately comment on number of arrests and damaged property.