A Khayelitsha pastor accused of raping and impregnating young church girls appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Monday January 27 on charges of assault and rape.
The 50-year-old church leader from St Angels Church in Endlovini was arrested on Sunday January 19 after a teenager reported him to the police.
The court briefly heard the matter and postponed it to Wednesday February 5, for a formal bail application.
On Sunday January 26, community groups marched to the church to propose to its members to shut it down until the law takes its course.
Groups included members of Baphi Abafazi Organisation, Men’s Forum, Men’s Sector, Men for Change, Sanco, Ikhaya Elitsha Foundation and political parties.
When the group arrived at the church, no service was taking place since the pastor was in police custody.
Bishop Templeton Mbekwa, chairperson of the Religious and Traditional Leaders Council, expressed outrage over the alleged abuse.
“As leaders, we cannot stay silent when women are mistreated in places of worship. As religious leaders we cannot fold arms while the name of the Lord is being ruined. That is why we are here today,” he said.
The march got heated after the crowd was addressed by leaders from various organisations as the bishop’s supporters defended him from allegations of rape.
One of the march organisers, a traditional healer from Ikhaya Elitsha Foundation, Thembisa Skaap, expressed shock that some women and young girls of the area supported the pastor who is in jail. She said it pained her to see women standing up against young victims.
“It pains me to see mature enough women and young girls who know nothing standing against victims. One is not saying they must support the victims, but it would be nice to find out why these young victims had to come out. What I am seeing here is very shocking. I wonder what women will do or say if he rapes their children tomorrow or if they only know the pain when it happens in their homes. There is more education needed here. The less said about those boys and men who also support the pastor, the better,” said Ms Skaap.
Another organiser, Sindile Prince Sigcau from the Men’s Forum, said they condemned any kind of abuse by men. He said they marched after listening to the victims and also doing their own investigations on the matter.
“We followed up and met the victims before visiting the area to close the church on Sunday. We are shocked at how the pastor is treating young kids using the name of God and also ancestors, as he also uses herbs to heal people. We are saying not in our name and not in our presence. No one will embarrass our traditions and our beliefs while we watch and do nothing,” said Mr Sigcau.
The march to St Angels Church was organised and led by different organisations who picked up allegations of abuse from the church members. According to police, the pastor is currently in custody for stabbing and raping one of the victims.
Councillor Lonwabo Mqina appealed to everyone to remain calm.
He urged the community members not to harass or intimidate the victims.
“We are all waiting for the law to take its course. In our constitution it is clear that one is innocent until proven guilt by the law.
“We should not victimise the victims. By doing so we are scaring other victims not to come forward. This needs calm heads. Let us observe and see what will happen. But I urge people to attend the court proceedings so that we can all be clear of what happened.”
He said he cannot allow lawlessness in his ward.
Marchers demanded the immediate closure of the church to prevent further harm and allow for thorough investigation into the leadership and practices of the church.
They also demanded a full legal accountability for the bishop and the church leadership saying law enforcement must ensure that all individuals involved in the activities are held accountable under the country’s law.
Marchers demanded adequate protection and support for survivors including counselling and legal assistance.
Lastly they said there should be respect for African cultural practices. They said the misuse and demonisation of African spiritual practices must be condemned and the community must be educated about the importance of respecting cultural and religious diversity.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the arrest.
“The victim alleges that she was raped by a male known to her, who is a pastor, who told her that she would be healed from her medical condition. She would be assaulted when refusing to sleep with him.”
