A Khayelitsha pastor arrested for rape and assault of congregation members.
Image: Fille
A Khayelitsha pastor has been arrested following allegations that he sexually assaulted and raped members of his congregation under the pretext of offering them healing.
The 51-year-old was taken into custody by the Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit after victims came forward, revealing that they had been manipulated into staying at the 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 must stay at the church and that is where he would convince them to have sexual intercourse with him to receive their healing," said the Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg.
Concerns from the community led to a meeting where victims, aged 15, 22, and 23, shared their experiences.
Following the revelations, police launched an investigation, which resulted in his arrest.
The suspect has appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court, and the case has been postponed to February 4. Meanwhile, the victims are receiving medical care and counselling.
IOL News