Tlot tlof with lots of women in church: Meet 51-year-old Khayelitsha Pastor who uses his 4-5 to perform healing rituals

A 51-year-old pastor from Endlovini in Khayelitsha, is facing serious charges of rape and assault following allegations of abuse against multiple congregants. The arrest, made by the Khayelitsha Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, follows a community outcry and the coming forward of several victims.

The alleged incidents occurred at the pastor's church between November 2022 and January 2025. According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, "It is alleged that people would go to the pastor for healing, and he would tell them healing is possible, but then the victims must stay at the church, and that is where he would convince them to have sexual intercourse with him to receive their healing."

Sergeant Twigg confirmed that the victims, aged 15, 22, and 23, are receiving counselling and support.

The pastor appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court last week, with the case adjourned until 5 February 2025 for a bail application. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the pastor is currently facing one count of rape and one count of assault grievous bodily harm (GBH). However, community activists are calling for additional charges to be added, believing that more victims may exist.

Community outrage led to a protest outside the church last Sunday, January 26th, with demands for its closure. Sethu Ngqoyiyana, a community activist, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “This young girl came to me, telling me that there is a pastor, and she alleged that the pastor raped her, and that the pastor forced her to marry him. She also claimed that the pastor had assaulted her many times.”

Ngqoyiyana further expressed concern about the potential for further victims within the church community, stating, “There are a lot of young girls in that church.”

One victim, speaking to Newzroom Afrika, recounted her ordeal: “He told me that the prophecy said in order for my mother to be healed, I would have to marry him. The women at the church supported this. When intoxicated, he would hit me and become violent. 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 raped me and I was forced into a marriage with him because it was to satisfy himself.”

Thembisa Skaap, another community activist, echoed the community's demand for justice, stating, “His behaviour will not be tolerated in the community at all.”

The case highlights the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the importance of community support for victims. The pastor's bail application on 5 February will be a crucial step in the legal process.

The case also follows the recent postponement of the Timothy Omotoso rape trial in Gqeberha, further underscoring the prevalence of these crimes within religious contexts. The Omotoso case, involving 32 remaining charges after acquittals on 31 others, had its judgment postponed to 2 April.

During Omotoso’s testimony, the court heard how he presented himself as a prophet with divine authority, claiming to offer "spiritual covering" and healing to his congregants. \