Pastor arrested for allegedly raping 14-year-old girl in Limpopo church

A 40-year-old pastor has been arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl inside a church in Limpopo.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident allegedly happened on July 9, when the suspect asked the 14-year-old girl to come to the church, but once she arrived, he reportedly locked her inside his office.

"The victim found the pastor alone in the church office. It is alleged that the suspect locked the door and forced the victim to perform sexual acts before repeatedly raping her."

Ledwaba further stated that the pastor allegedly told the victim to keep the incident a secret.

Despite this, the 14-year-old bravely reported the incident to her family, which led to an immediate rape case being opened.

"The victim courageously disclosed the ordeal to her family on July 19, after which the police were immediately notified. A case of rape was opened and investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and the suspect was arrested on July 20," Ledwaba added.

The 40-year-old appeared on July 21 facing charges of rape.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the victim for her courage in speaking out and reporting the serious crime.

"We encourage parents and guardians to maintain open communication with their children and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately."

In recent months, there has been a disturbing wave of scandals that continues to rock faith communities across South Africa. A string of high-profile religious leaders have faced serious accusations of sexual abuse, prompting growing outrage and calls for justice. 

Two of the most prominent figures at the centre of these allegations are Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo, head of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, and Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, founder of Jesus Dominion International.

Zondo, a once-revered spiritual leader with thousands of followers across Gauteng, is currently facing 10 charges, mostly rape and sexual assault, brought forward by seven women, many of whom were members of his church. The alleged abuse spans years and involves disturbing claims of spiritual manipulation and physical violation. 

In March 2025, the Sebokeng Regional Court ruled that Zondo must stand trial, dismissing his attempt to have the charges dropped under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. His subsequent bid to have Judge Papi Mosopa recused from the case, citing alleged bias, was also rejected.

Meanwhile, Timothy Omotoso, whose case has gripped the country for nearly eight years, was acquitted in April 2025 on 32 counts, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. The Gqeberha High Court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing poor witness cross-examination and procedural irregularities.

The acquittal triggered a wave of public outrage, with gender-rights organisations and civil society groups accusing the justice system of failing survivors and protecting powerful religious leaders. 

Jane Makekema, a resident of Evaton in the Vaal, said she no longer feels safe attending church.

“I used to go to church to find peace, now I fear it’s where the most damage is done.”

She added that although she no longer goes to church, she still believes there are good faith leaders in our communities.

“Not all of them are bad; there are men and women truly called to serve, but their good work is drowned out by the horror stories we keep seeing in the news.”

In response to mounting pressure, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has filed an appeal to overturn the controversial acquittal.

As previously reported by IOL, the NPA has formally requested that the presiding judge provide clarification on the ruling, a necessary step before the matter can be escalated to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za