South Africa threatens to imprison Oyakhilome

Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, head of South Africa’s commission for the promotion and protection of cultural, religious and linguistic communities, says Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Believers Love World Incorporated , also known as Christ Embassy, risks a jail sentence in the country.

In an interview with News24, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva accused Oyakhilome and some other pastors of failing to disclose the proceeds of their churches.

“Some of these religious leaders will face prison if they do not comply and we have been clear about our course of action,” she was quoted as saying.

Mkhwanazi-Xaluva reportedly said Oyakhilome had indicated that he would fight the commission in court before making his records public.

“If he intends on that route, we are ready. He will have to face the same fate as the others who refuse to hand over their financial records,” she said.

“These people take money from people. What are they doing with that money? We want to know. We will not back down.

“Some religious leaders have also threatened the commission, which is leading us toward the legal route. Saps have been notified already.

“We are forced to take the legal route because some of them are not complying and we cannot be held to ransom by a few.”

Though the headquarters of Oyakhilome’s church is in Lagos, the televangelist has been operating from Johannesburg in recent times.