By AGISANANG SCUFF
29 September 2025- The Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court has granted a pastor (57) from Ratanda aR2000 bail, with strict conditions that he must report at Nigel police station every Sunday between 8am and 4pm, refrain from contacting the complainant and not to return to Ratanda. He is facing three counts of rape of a 17-year-old girl who is a member of his congregation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 14 September 2025, in the afternoon, the complainant received a call from the accused requesting her to come for a cleansing ceremony at the church situated at his place of residence in Ratanda. Mahanjana said when she arrived, the accused instructed her to go to the main house and enter the bedroom.
“Thereafter, the accused followed her to the bedroom, requested her to undress, but when the complainant refused, the accused forcefully removed her clothes, pushed her onto the bed, and began to apply oil on her body. The accused then proceeded to rape the complainant by penetrating her vagina with his penis twice and inserting a vibrator inside her.
“After the accused was done, the complainant managed to escape, ran home, and informed her mother about what had happened. On the same day, a case was opened against the accused, and he was arrested at his place of residence,” she said.
Mahanjana further said, in court during bail proceedings, the accused through his legal representative, asked to be released on bail because he has no previous convictions and he has a fixed address. She added that the accused said if he is not released on bail, he will suffer financially as he is a breadwinner, and that he suffers from a chronic illness.
“However, the state prosecutor, Kutelani Nndanganeni, opposed his release on bail, arguing that the accused is charged with a serious offense and that he could evade trial, as such an offense carries a hefty sentence.
“Furthermore, he said that the accused was in a position of trust which he took advantage of, that he is well known to the complainant as they stay in the same area, and that the accused can receive medical treatment in prison,” said Mahanjana.
During bail judgement, the Magistrate, Gerhard Strydom said that the accused has no previous convictions of rape, does not seem to be a flight risk and that he suffers from a chronic illness. Strydom said that such matters take long before trial commences and therefore it is in the interest of justice to release him on bail.
Mahanjana said the NPA commends the mother’s vigilance, whose swift action led to the accused’s arrest. She said the NPA urges families and communities to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centers (TCC’s), which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance.
“This case highlights the critical role of parents in recognising signs of abuse and acting decisively. The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld, and perpetrators face the full might of the law.
“The case was postponed to 4 November 2025, for further investigations,” she said.
The Guardian 