TB Joshua
Two South Africans, who lost relatives when a guest house at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos collapsed, have told the BBC they intend to sue Nigerian evangelist TB Joshua.
The two men, who both lost sisters in the collapse, are appealing for more families to come together in bringing a case against the preacher.
The authorities said it had more floors than its foundation could hold.
On Sunday, Joshua, who is one of Nigeria's best-known evangelists and is popular across Africa, announced plans to travel to South Africa to visit the families of the deceased.
On Sunday, Joshua, who is one of Nigeria's best-known evangelists and is popular across Africa, announced plans to travel to South Africa to visit the families of the deceased.
Emergency workers allege they were prevented from participating in the
rescue, only gaining full access to the site on Sunday afternoon -
accusations denied by Joshua's church.
Thanduxolo Doro and Mpho Molebatsi waited at Johannesburg's OR Tambo
airport for days after the collapse for news of their sisters, who had
been visiting SCOAN.
Both families had last heard from their relatives hours before the
collapse, which happened at about 13.50 pm on Friday 12 September.
“It is not that the building collapsed, rather what was done after the
collapse - we didn’t get any news from the church,” Doro, whose sister
Vathiswa Madikiza died, told the BBC.
“When I contacted them, they wouldn’t tell me anything. We saw reports
that emergency workers were denied access initially, access that could
have saved lives. The actions of the church after the incident are very
telling,” he said.
In an open letter published in South Africa's Star newspaper, Doro called on more families to sue Joshua.
In an open letter published in South Africa's Star newspaper, Doro called on more families to sue Joshua.
“I need to do this for her. Even if I stand alone, I am determined to see that something is done,” he told the BBC.
“I understand that some families are afraid to take on someone who
purports to be God’s messenger and I don’t blame them but I will do
this.”
Doro said he was informed by South African officials about his sister’s
death this week, but has to wait for the results of DNA tests before
her body can be repatriated for burial.
He said he had spoken to two families who were eager to join him in suing Joshua, but no concrete plans had been made.
He has not been in contact with Molebatsi, whose sister Hlubi Molebatsi was also killed.
He has not been in contact with Molebatsi, whose sister Hlubi Molebatsi was also killed.
Molebatsi said he had contacted his lawyers. “I have spoken to other
families but it has been difficult because this is a time of mourning. I
would like to see families get something from the church as some of the
people who died were breadwinners,” he told the BBC.
Some 25 survivors of the collapse are continuing to receive medical care following their return to South Africa.
Officials said 16 of the wounded are in critical condition, with some having had limbs amputated and other complications.
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