A Khayelitsha pastor appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 27 January, facing serious rape charges.
The 50-year-old man, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the alleged victims, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman from his congregation between 2022 and 2024. The court appearance, however, was far from quiet, highlighting the deep divisions and strong feelings within the community.
The courtroom was a scene of stark contrast. Supporters of the pastor were present alongside activists demanding justice, reflecting the polarised nature of the situation. The case was postponed until 5 February for a formal bail application, leaving the community anxiously awaiting further developments.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, activists claim that at least three more women have come forward with similar allegations against the pastor. Some of these women reportedly have children fathered by the accused. This revelation has significantly escalated the community's outrage and fuelled calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
The allegations first came to light on Sunday, 26 January, when activists and community members marched to the pastor’s church. Their intention was to deliver a memorandum to the church leadership, but finding no service in progress, they addressed the assembled community members, revealing the shocking allegations publicly.
Bishop Templeton Mbekwa, chairman of the African Religious and Traditional Leaders Council, spoke forcefully at the gathering: “We are here because these accusations called us from our places. The pastor who is leading the church here is accused of molesting and impregnating young girls from his church. I’m standing here for the love of our women and our children who are abused. We don’t need any more Omotosos in South Africa.” His reference to Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian televangelist currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for sexual assault, underscores the gravity of the situation and the community's determination to prevent similar abuses.
Traditional leader Chief Sindile Sigcau from Men's Sector added his voice to the chorus demanding justice: "We want the law to take its course," he stated.
Xoli Tsholoba from Baphi Abafazi, an organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence, confirmed that they are assisting in bringing additional cases forward. She stated: “There are four girls, two have children as a result of the rape with mfundisi. We are working on ensuring that these cases are brought forward to the law enforcement officers.”
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the arrest of the pastor on 19 January, stating: "The victims allege assault when refusing to sleep with the suspect." This statement highlights the alleged coercive nature of the assaults.
Councillor Lonwabo Mqina appealed for calm, urging residents to trust the judicial process. He stressed that only the court can determine the pastor’s guilt or innocence. His call for restraint underscores the need for a measured response, even amidst the intense emotions running through the community.
