The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela over his failed rapture prophecy, which left many followers devastated after selling belongings and quitting jobs in anticipation of the event.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela following the failure of his viral rapture prophecy, which left many followers distraught after giving away belongings, resigning from jobs, and preparing for what they believed was the end of the world.
Mhlakela had claimed Jesus appeared to him in a vision and revealed that the rapture would occur between September 23 and 24, coinciding with the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. “The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not… this date is irrefutable, it is final,” he declared in an interview.
The prophecy gained traction on social media under the hashtag #RaptureTok, prompting some believers to sell possessions or donate valuables. On the predicted days, videos showed groups waiting in the woods, while Mhlakela livestreamed assurances that the event was imminent. But when nothing happened, many expressed anger and despair. “I left my job, I gave away my things, I am feeling really lost,” one disillusioned follower lamented.
CAN officials denounced the preacher, describing him as a fraud. “These types of people are those that the government should penalise for misguiding and misinforming the people. The pastor should be raptured into detention,” said CAN’s Abimbola Ayuba. Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, also dismissed the prophecy as unbiblical, stressing that “no one knows the time and the season when the Lord will come.”
CAN urged Nigerians to reject false prophecies, warning that many so-called preachers exploit faith for personal gain.