A 51-year-old pastor from Khayelitsha, Western Cape, has been taken into custody following shocking allegations of raping and assaulting members of his congregation over a span of more than two years.
The accused, whose name has not yet been disclosed, reportedly targeted vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual healing at his church, as per Sowetan Live.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the alleged crimes occurred between November 2022 and January 2025.
The pastor is accused of exploiting his position of trust, convincing victims that sexual acts were necessary for their healing.
‘He would tell them that healing was possible but insisted they stay at the church, where he would coerce them into sexual intercourse under the guise of spiritual deliverance,’ Twigg explained.
The disturbing pattern came to light after community members grew suspicious of the pastor’s behaviour and organised a meeting. During the gathering, several victims bravely came forward to share their experiences.
The alleged victims, aged 15, 22 and 23, are now safe and receiving counselling to help them cope with the trauma.
The pastor made his first appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court, where the case was postponed to 4 February for further proceedings. This arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of religious leaders accused of exploiting their followers.
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