Limpopo pastor pays for sins behind bars after raping vulnerable woman

A 42-year-old pastor has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for raping a 25-year-old woman under the guise of needing spiritual intervention.

Thabiso Victor Mongatane — who had been out on R1 000 bail for the duration of the trial — was sentenced by the Mahwelereng Regional Court on Monday, 7 April.

A woman in need

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, in March 2022, the woman had driven her sick mother to Mongatane in Masodi village after a relative recommended him as someone who could heal her.

The court heard that on 4 September, a few months after treating her mother, the rapist pastor shared a so-called prophecy with the young woman and told her to return after two days for him to assist her with her challenges.

Woman told to get naked

“The victim drove back to the premises to get treatment from the Pastor on Wednesday, 7 September 2022. Upon arrival, the victim was ordered to take off her clothes and cover her body for steaming,” Ledwaba said.

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“Mongatane further left the victim for a few minutes and returned afterwards. He then ordered the victim not to dress because he wanted to continue with the treatment, and she complied,” he added.

The pastor then took advantage of the woman and raped her, the court heard.

Pastor’s arrest

Ledwaba said a rape case was opened at the local police and the matter was transferred to Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences.

“The case was allocated to Sergeant Lesetja Langa for further investigations, and subsequently, that led to Mongatane’s apprehension on 28 March 2024.”

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