THE loud wailing that pierced the air on Sunday morning was not the sign from the heavens that controversial church leader Tsietsi Makiti had been waiting for.
Instead, it was the sound of sirens from at least 20 police vehicles that greeted the self-proclaimed “pope” of the Gabola Church.
The church – infamous for being Mzansi’s only place of worship where alcohol flows freely during services – has been praying, along with many South Africans, for relief from the booze ban imposed by the government during the lockdown.
Makiti (53), draped in colourful red and purple vestments, a mitre and a face mask, was arrested – along with his wife, Lydia (52), and five members of the church – for contravening the lockdown regulations and holding a service outside his home in Evaton North, Joburg.
Bottles of whisky, vodka and cooldrinks were neatly arranged on a makeshift altar, along with a bottle of hand sanitiser for the small gathering.
The assembled congregants were seated about 1,5m from one another, observing social-distancing rules.
Ahead of the lockdown, which began in March, Makiti told the Daily Sun the coronavirus “was for rich people. They get it because they travel all around the world and bring it here.
“How could we get the virus while we’re broke and always around the kasi? It’s sad that we’re panicking but we have never even left the country.”
He added that God and booze would protect them.
“We’re not scared of this virus. I trust the Lord and alcohol.”
There was no divine intervention when the cops arrived to arrest Makiti and his wife, who was charged with “failing to close a non-essential business during the Covid-19 lockdown”, says police spokesman Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo.
“Members of Public Order Policing unit were summoned to the scene after they were informed of church activity in progress and, on their arrival, they found the suspects making or shooting a video. Other people were also arrested for failing to confine themselves to their place of residence.”
Makiti and Lydia were released on bail of R3 000 each and the congregants were released on bail of R1 000 each.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
More Than Just Baby Blues
Here’s everything you need to know about postpartum depression
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
‘I'VE LEARNT LIFE IS SHORT'
Sifiso’s rugby dream is on hold after he was hurt in the Driehoek tragedy, but he’s fighting for his future
Breeding For Maximum Profit With Minimum Fuss
The success of a livestock breeding concern depends on choosing a breed that makes economic sense and optimises return on investment. For a part-time farmer, an additional requirement is that the breed is hardy enough to thrive without pampering. Part-time stud breeder Dirco Swart of Frankfort told Annelie Coleman that the Beefmaster ticked all these boxes.
An Instant Darling
Metro FM’s Pearl Shongwe wormed her way into our hearts with her crackly laughter and witty opinions. The 32-year-old lets us into her world!