Khayelitsha pastor faces rape charges, victims receiving counselling
THE 15, 22 and 23-year-old alleged victims of a Khayelitsha pastor who faces charges of rape and assault, are safe and receiving treatment and counselling.
This was according to police who confirmed the man is expected to return to the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court this week for a bail application.
The pastor from Endlovini was arrested after being accused of raping and impregnating a child and young women, which sparked protests in the community.
SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg said that the Khayelitsha Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit swooped on the pastor after claims were made that he assaulted and raped victims at his church between November 2022 and January 2025.
“It is alleged that people would go to the pastor for healing and he would tell them healing is possible but then the victims had to stay at the church and that is where he would convince them to have sexual intercourse with him to receive the healing.
“The community became aware of his behaviour and had a community meeting and it was then when two victims came forward and made the claims,” Twigg said.
“The victims 15, 22 and 23 are safe and are receiving treatment and counselling.”
Twigg said the 51-year-old suspect appeared in court last week where the case was remanded until February 5.
NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “He is currently facing one count of rape and one of assault grievous bodily harm (GBH).”
Last weekend, the community protested outside the church, calling for it to be shut down.
Sethu Ngqoyiyana, a community activist, said that he receives information on gender-based violence cases via social media with people coming to him with their stories. Thereafter he refers them to the authorities.
“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.
“When we went there, we wanted the church to cease all operations because there are a lot of girls staying there. We don’t know whether all these girls are victims ...only three have come out and accused the pastor of raping them and assaulting them.
“There is a lot that can happen there, and we want to prevent something further from happening there... There are a lot of young girls in that church,” Ngqoyiyana said.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, one of the victims said: “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.
“I remember calling my younger sister to tell her that I would marry him for the sake of my mom’s health.”
She also said when intoxicated, the man would hit her 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 believe he raped me and I was forced into a marriage with him because it was to satisfy himself.”
Another community activist, Thembisa Skaap, said: “His behaviour will not be tolerated in the community at all.”
Cape Times