Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Image via: Flickr

Mogoeng Mogoeng ‘ruffles feathers’ with latest vaccine comments

Let’s hope Mogoeng Mogoeng’s next career move isn’t into the field of epidemiology – because his views on the vaccine are… unconventional.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Image via: Flickr

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, who will see his term in office expire next month, is no stranger to making controversial statements about the coronavirus vaccines. On Thursday, he seemed to repeat the trick while addressing the media during an event held at the Grace Kingdom Community Centre in Ga-Rankuwa.

Mogoeng Mogoeng comments on the COVID-19 vaccine

CJ Mogoeng is a fiercely religious man, and quite often, his theological beliefs have clashed with his legal authority. Bordering on the evangelical, the senior lawman puts his faith at the forefront of everything – including his opinions on the jabs that give people protection from the very worst effects of COVID-19.

He landed himself in hot water last December, when he suggested that the vaccines could be infused with the mark of the devil. His infamous ‘666 rant’ forced him into a backtrack – but more than nine months later, his views on both the inoculations and the virus itself are causing controversy once more.

In context: Understanding how the COVID-19 jabs work

  • Earlier today, Mogoeng Mogoeng said that COVID-19 ‘was just like any other disease’ we’ve had before. It’s not.
  • He urged people to ‘do their own research’, hinting that the vaccine could be unsafe. It’s not.
  • And finally, he claimed that it would be ‘God’s decision’ to say when the pandemic ends. It’s not

Here’s what Mogoeng Mogoeng said to the press in Gauteng:

“We each have a constitutional right to freedom of consciousness, freedom of thought, and freedom of opinion. We have a responsibility to do research on this matter. When we are satisfied that the right position to adopt has been established, let’s adopt it. My only strong opinion about COVID-19 is that it’s a disease like any other.”

“It is within the power of God to eliminate it. It says in the Bible. The Lord can end this thing, but as long the Church of God can come together and repent for our sins, he will hear our prayers, and heal everybody.”