The parent of one of the minors sexually assaulted by a 36-year-old pastor has welcomed the double life sentence handed down by the Pretoria High Court at a Benoni Magistrate’s Court sitting on August 12.
Lucky Magagula, of Ilitshe Legumbi Church in Barcelona, Etwatwa, was convicted on 19 counts.
The pastor received two life terms for two counts of rape, 15 years for another count of rape, three years for five counts of display of child pornography to children and five years for six counts of sexual assault.
He was further sentenced to 12 months for the four counts of display of genital organs and a count for instructing or persuading a child to perform a sexual act (12 months). The sentences will run concurrently
Magagula handed out mini bibles with the wording ‘Senkgwe sa Botshelo Beibele’ (Book of Life) on the front cover to the investigating officer, prosecutor and his defence lawyer after the sentencing. The bibles were autographed by Magagula.
The mother of the 10-year-old victim, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her child, said she was happy and relieved the accused had been sent to jail.
“Parents need to learn that it is important to always communicate with your children so that they’ll be able to speak openly about incidences that happen to them when we are not around.
“Once parents are made aware of such incidents they shouldn’t keep quiet but report this to the police so that the law can take its course,” said the mother.
Wearing a black jacket with the words ‘In the name of Jesus’ embroidered on the back, the accused sat attentively as Judge Jay Monyemangene handed down the lengthy sentence.
It was revealed in court that the complainants knew the accused as the local pastor of the church who taught them how to sing during choir lessons and gave them Bible teachings.
One of the victims, aged three at the time, disclosed to her mother in February 2021 that the accused sexually molested her. This after her mother noticed something strange when bathing the little girl.
The family lived next door to Magagula and the little girl would go to his house to play with her friends who are related to him.
The discovery of the other rapes surfaced after two victims and also sisters were seen by their brother undressing while playing.
It is reported that the brother told the grandmother who then enquired with the children and they confessed to what the pastor was doing to them.
Also Read: Pastor given two life terms for raping minors at his church
After these incidents, a family meeting was called and the accused confessed to his sexual actions.
It was revealed in court that Magagula was assaulted by the Barcelona community before he was taken to the Etwatwa police station.
During the sentencing, judge Monyemangene shared that Magagula’s right ear was affected as a result of the injuries he sustained when he was attacked by angry community members.
Monyemangene said that Magagula abused his position as a pastor because the children and parents trusted him. He indicated that the children had been robbed of their childhood and suffered psychological trauma.
Furthermore, it was also revealed in court that Magagula claimed that he opened his church in order to help and uplift the community of Barcelona.
He had no formal education only went to a Day Care Centre and was an orphan.
He had a spaza shop and depended on odd jobs to take care of his young sister and disabled aunt.
Also Read: Daveyton pastor arrested for assault
