STRATEGIC PARTNERS
March 27, 2002
MOKOPANE, South Africa -- A religious fanatic who torched an ATM in Limpopo in February might be declared a state patient if psychologists find that he is mentally ill, according to an African Eye News Service report.
An arson case against Joseph Lekalakala, 47, has been postponed until April 17 because he is still under psychological observation. Lekalakala, a member of Zionist Christian Church, has spent most of his time in a hospital under mental observation since his Feb. 7 arrest.
He allegedly torched a Standard Bank ATM in the small farm town, and was caught as he was about to burn two more. At the time of his arrest, he told police that he was acting under instructions from Zionist Christian Church leader, bishop Barnabas Lekganyane.
Lekalakala insists he was merely acting against "evil" machines and is blameless.
Standard Bank has estimated damages, including incinerated cash, at 10 million rand.
