A 34-year-old pastor from South Africa has been apprehended for the alleged r*pe of a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of his church members.
Bishop Meshack Molefi Phofedi, the leader of the New Babillon Apostolic Church in Evaton West, appeared in the Sebokeng Regional Court on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, facing multiple charges of r*pe.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incidents reportedly began on August 16, 2024, when the child, her parents, and the pastor were returning from a spiritual event in Clearence, Free State. Allegedly, when they stopped at a filling station for the girl to use the restroom, the pastor followed her inside and assaulted her while her parents waited in the car, unaware of what was occurring.
Following this incident, it is claimed that the pastor encouraged the victim’s mother to bring her to church for prayer sessions. Between August 2024 and January 2025, he is accused of raping the girl multiple times during these sessions while her mother remained outside.
The abuse was uncovered after the victim developed infections and confided in her sister, who then informed their parents. The mother subsequently confronted the pastor and reported the matter to the authorities.
The pastor was arrested on March 2, 2025, and made his first court appearance the following day. The case has been postponed until March 13, 2025, for a formal bail application, which the state intends to contest.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is committed to seeking justice for victims of gender-based violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
