The family of South African based Malawian Pastor Hastings Salanje have confirmed of his abduction in the rainbow nation.

Pastor Salanje who is also founder of God’s Chapel Church was taken by unknown gunmen on Sunday after a church service in Randburg.

A statement from his family has asked church congregants and follows to put the man of God in prayers as authorities are hunting for the unknown thugs.

“This is to officially communicate that on Sunday, the 26th of November 2023 around 6pm, as the church leadership were engaged in a meeting in our boardroom, some men who presented themselves as policemen/Interpol entered the boardroom and then took the man of God Pastor Hastings Salanje,” reads part of the statement.

The government of South Africa is yet to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is following up the matter.