Some worshippers who attended the Apostolic Revolution ceremony, organised by Empowerment Ministries International Church at the Protea Hotel in Bloemfontein, said the pastor had never served in the army.
They said the pastor was disrespecting the country by wearing it.
One church member said people came in their numbers to hear Pastor Motsamai Kareli.
“Most of us were shocked to see him wearing a full SANDF uniform. That uniform should be respected and can’t be worn by just anyone,” he said.
Another member said: “My relative is a major in the army and he told me the pastor’s actions will land him in hot water.”
The SunTeam saw photos showing the pastor in the uniform on his Facebook account on Monday but they were later removed.
Protea Hotel manager Pieter van Rooyen confirmed the church had used a conference room.
Pastor Kareli said: “This is not the original army uniform.
“I bought the clothes I was wearing and I will be wearing them again on Sunday because I am talking about spiritual warfare.”
SANDF spokesman, Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga, said the pastor was never in the army.
“We will launch an investigation to establish if he was wearing a real uniform and if he was, how he came by possession of it.
“The uniform is patented and only military members can wear it.
“Misusing or wearing it without authorisation is punishable under patent law.”
Source:Daily Sun
