The Pretoria High Court is grappling with a bitter family feud, pitting a couple against their two sons, who are allegedly being manipulated by a controversial pastor to donate millions of rands to his church.

Tar and Susan Eloff, the parents, are seeking a court order to prevent their sons, Jaco and Johan, from further transferring assets from the family trust to Pastor Xandré Strydom of the charismatic church Christ in Me International Collective in Pretoria.

The Eloffs, who built their wealth through numerous businesses in South Africa and Botswana, claim that Strydom has exerted undue influence over their sons, convincing them to hand over millions of rands, including the proceeds from the sale of a herd of goats and a luxury holiday home.

“Whatever Xandré tells Jaco and Johan to do, it is as if it comes from God himself. They feel it is a small price to pay to fulfil God’s will,” Tar states in an affidavit.

The family's once-close bond has been shattered by the sons' involvement with the church. Tar and Susan, who have since left the congregation, allege that their sons have cut off all communication with them, denying them access to their grandchildren and even voting against them having access to the family trust's bank account.

“We have not spoken to or seen them for more than two years,” says Tar.