When one thinks of a pastor, prophet, or bishop one thinks of a leader, man of the cloth and the one closest to salvation. But in many cases, there have been pastors who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons and have been reported to abuse their powers and take advantage of their congregants, whether by demanding money from their congregants or criminal acts. We look at pastors who have made controversial headlines.

PASTOR NOVEMBER

Pastor Zenzile November of Victorious Faith Mission Church in Bloemfontein caused a stir when he posted a picture of himself wearing what can be considered female clothing and dancing. In the videos he shared on social media, he was seen wearing a crop top and skirt and dancing away. He has been highly criticised for his actions, and some went as far as saying he needs "divine help." In 2017 Pastor November was filmed by a member of his congregation giving a woman his shoe to put on her private parts to allegedly heal her from virginal pimples. He has not been one to shy away from "unholy stunts." Not long ago, he was recorded reprimanding a woman who he spotted sleeping in the middle of a sermon.

BISHOP ZONDO

Controversial Bishop and pastor, Bafana Zondo from Living Waters Ministries is accused of witchcraft and abuse by some of his church members. Zondo also faces countless charges of rape in court. The bishop whose rape trials have been ongoing recently joined newly formed Umkhonto WeSizwe Party and his name made it to the party's list.

PASTOR PHIRI

He is one of the most popular televangelists in Mzansi. But his love life and love for the drink has landed him in the tabloids. Last year, televangelist, Pastor Enoch Phiri thought he found love in partner Thuli "Prophetess Nkosazana" Shenxane but the relationship ended in fights and accusations. Thuli told ZiMoja that the troubled pastor promised to marry her, but she's had to call off the relationship due to his "high appetite for women and alcohol". He accused her of being a gold digger and abusing him after locking him in her house. Pastor Phiri however has come clean about his drinking which he claimed he had quit.

TIM OMOTOSO

His case has been ongoing for years in the Eastern Cape High Court where he faces multiple charges of rape. The alleged sex pest Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and co-accused Zukiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani who worked with him at his church face a total of 97 charges, from rape to human trafficking. They have been in custody since 2017. One of his alleged victims who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged rape said the 65-year-old leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church made him believe many ridiculous things at that age, like "rape was the will of God. He will be back in court on 24 June 2024 for the continuation of the trial.

PASTOR LEKAU

Who can forget Pastor Lekau who had claimed to resurrect a dead man from the dead? The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities rubbished the act saying, "There are no such things as miracles. They are made up to try to get money from the hopelessness of our people." Pastor Lukau, is the leader of Alleluia Ministries International and took much criticism said he "completed the miracle which God already started."