The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 41-year-old pastor from Mamelodi East to life imprisonment plus five years for rape and sexual assault.
He led the Jesus Is the Answer Ministries in Mamelodi East and targeted two minors from his congregation.
MAMELODI EAST PASTOR TARGETS MINORS
In November 2021, the Mamelodi East pastor groped a 13-year-old girl at church while she waited for choir practice. She managed to pull away and join others.
In April 2022, he went to the second girl’s home in Mamelodi. After learning her parents were away, he raped the 12-year-old.
VICTIMS SEEK HELP AND SPEAK OUT
In August 2022, both girls told the 12-year-old’s stepfather about the abuse.
He reported the case to the police and informed the other victim’s mother, who also opened a case.
POLICE ARREST THE MAMELODI EAST PASTOR
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated the pastor, leading to police arresting him at his home on 30 August 2022.
He has been in custody since then.
The Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre assisted the victims with medical, legal and psychological support.
PASTOR DENIES CHARGES IN RAPE CASE
In court, the pastor denied the charges. He claimed the stepfather falsely accused him because he wanted to take over the church.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) presented strong evidence and asked for life imprisonment.
However, the pastor requested a minimum sentence, arguing he was a first-time offender, a father of three and active in the community.
COURT HANDS DOWN THE SENTENCE AND NPA WELCOMES IT
Despite the arguments, Magistrate Lynn Pillay ruled that he showed no remorse and agreed with prosecutors that he should receive the maximum sentence.
She said removing predators from communities protects vulnerable people.
“These cases provide justice and remove violent criminals from our streets,” said Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuureen.
