Heavy jail term dangles over pastor’s wife for pouring hot water on woman in Douala

By Tata Mbunwe
Grace Protesess, wife of a denominational pastor in Deido, Douala, is in police custody after pouring hot water on a woman, Ngwa Vanessa Kim supposedly, a gospel singer.

Grace and husband, Apostle Daniel Mbongchom,  just ended a three-day crusade in Douala this December 17-20 held under the banner of Enlightened Church of Wonder, a Christian denomination.

The injured woman, who is currently at a medical facility in Douala, says Grace risks going to jail if she fails to appologise publicly to gain her forgiveness.

Although family members’ reports say the woman is responding positively to treatment, her upper abdomen, including chest and head, are still badly injured by the boiled  water.

The pastor’s wife, however, is still to explain the reason for her behaviour as her husband, Apostle Daniel Mbongchom and his family, are seeking to save her from a looming jail term.

Injured woman says forgiveness possible only if the pastor’s wife “confesses”

As the pastor’s family pressures for forgiveness, Vanessa who is still groaning in pain says she may only forgive if Grace Profetess alongside Apostle Daniel Mbongchom openly confesses to the public.

Speaking to MMI, her hospital caretaker, who doubles as her godmother, says her goddaughter, is responding to treatment while the pastor’s family is pleading for the case not to be dragged to court.

“She’s picking up a bit. The pastor’s family came and pleaded with her not to take the case to court. The pastor’s wife (who is in police custody) was supposed to be taken to the New Bell Prison on Thursday morning. But my goddaughter had to pardon her for the crime so she would not be taken to prison,” said the godmother of the injured lady.

While on her hospital bed, the injured woman has said the couple must publicly apologize and explain why the Pastor’s Wife poured hot water on her.

This, she says, is the only condition for clemency from a speculated jail term awaiting the pastor’s wife.

Genesis of the matter

Grace according to sources close to injured Vanessa, became extremely jealous when her husband, Daniel Mbongchom requested that Vanessa ministers in church.

“I was invited to sing during the church service, that is when the problem began, Grace claimed he husband was in love with me,” recounts Vanessa.

“The wife became very jealous and insolent, accusing Vanessa of dating her husband, she even confronted her in public, promising the worst, if Vanessa does not stop,” narrates our source.

At press time, Grace had issued a public apology to the victim via her Facebook page.

“I’m sorry for all the pains I caused you, I’m sorry again, and find a place in your heart to forgive her,” Grace Profetess wrote on Facebook.

She is still under detention.

The incident in Douala might just be one of the sad stories that usually accompany the December glamour as marriages and relationships become victims of extreme competition and quests for pleasure among young persons.