The police in Orange Farm, a township outside Johannesburg, are investigating a murder case docket following a home invasion incident that claimed the life of 59-year-old bishop Daniel Nhlapo. A second patient was hospitalised after he was also shot on the day.

The incident happened on Tuesday night, and it is alleged that two armed men entered the house under the pretense of being police officers.

“Just after 21:00, the men came in with Nhlapo’s son and claimed to be police officers. They then stated that they are looking for drugs.”

A source close to the family says the men were told that no drugs were being sold at the Nhlapo household as it was a house of prayer but they continued to demand drugs.

“They shot Nhlapo multiple times while he was trying to explain that there are no drugs being sold here. On their way out they met with Nhlapo’s brother and also shot him.”

The family rushed both Nhlapo and his brother to the hospital but unfortunately, Nhlapo was declared dead.

“We are hurt by how he was killed. He is a man of God and leading the church is what he did best. We have never heard of a pastor being shot so many times. It is shocking. We are traumatised by this incident.”

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirms cases of murder and attempted murder are open for investigation.