IOL A 34-year-old pastor has been charged with the repeated rape of a 14-year-old girl from his church, following a disturbing series of events that began during a spiritual retreat. Picture: File
Image: File
A 34-year-old pastor of the New Babillon Apostolic church in Evaton West in Gauteng has been charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl.
The pastor appeared in the Sebokeng Regional Court on Tuesday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the pastor is accused of raping the teenage girl who is a member of his church, multiple times.
"It is alleged that on 16 August 2024 the child, her parents and the pastor were returning from a spiritual retreat in Clarence, Free State," explained Lumka Mahanjana, NPA spokesperson.
"When they stopped at a filling station to allow the victim to use the restroom. It is alleged that the pastor followed her to the bathroom and allegedly raped her, while her parents waited in the car unaware of the incident.
"Following this, it is alleged that the Pastor asked the victim’s mother to bring the girl to church for prayer sessions.
"On several occasions between August 2024 and January 2025, it is alleged that the pastor would rape the girl during the sessions while her mother waited outside."
The NPA said the abuse came to light after the victim developed infections and confided in her sister, who informed their parents.
"The mother confronted the Pastor and reported the matter to the police."
The NPA said the pastor was arrested on March 2, 2025.
The case was postponed to March 13, 2025 for a formal bail application.
Mahanjana said the State intends to oppose the bail application.
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