A 51-year-old pastor from Endlovini, Khayelitsha, has been arrested on charges of r*pe and s*xual assault after allegedly exploiting church members under the pretense of offering them spiritual healing.
The pastor was taken into custody on Saturday, February 2025, following accusations that he r*ped and impregnated a minor and young women, sparking widespread outrage and protests within the community.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, February 5, for a bail hearing. According to SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg, the Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection, and S*xual Offences Unit apprehended the suspect after multiple allegations surfaced, claiming the assaults occurred between November 2022 and January 2025.
“It is alleged that individuals seeking healing would approach the pastor, who claimed that recovery was possible if they stayed at the church. It was during this time that he coerced them into s*xual acts under the false promise of healing,” Twigg stated.
The situation came to light after a community meeting, where two victims bravely shared their experiences. The victims, aged 15, 22, and 23, are now safe and receiving medical treatment and counseling. The suspect previously appeared in court, and the case has been postponed until February 5 at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the matter has been remanded for a bail application. The pastor currently faces charges of r*pe and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). Despite the charges, community members remain dissatisfied, calling for additional r*pe charges to be filed.
On Sunday, January 26, protesters gathered outside the church, demanding its closure. Community activist Sethu Ngqoyiyana shared that he frequently receives reports of gender-based violence through social media, which he then forwards to authorities.
“A young girl approached me, alleging that the pastor r*ped her, forced her into marriage, and repeatedly assaulted her,” Ngqoyiyana said. “When we visited the church, we insisted it stop all operations because many young girls reside there. Although only three victims have come forward so far, we fear there could be more.”
One of the victims recounted her harrowing experience in an interview with Newzroom Africa. “He claimed a prophecy stated that my mother’s healing depended on me marrying him, and the women in the church supported this. I called my younger sister, saying I’d marry him for my mom’s sake.
“When he was drunk, he’d become violent and hit me. I remember telling him while I was in hospital that I had miscarried. It was my second time miscarrying his child… I don’t want to lie. I believe he r*ped me and I was forced into a marriage with him because it was to satisfy himself.”
