DA pickets during pastor’s court appearance

Members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) led by their Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle picketed outside the Seshego Magistrate’s Court as James Thubakgale, a 57-year-old pastor of the Devine Deliverance Church appeared in connection with various charges including rape, fraud and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm yesterday (Wednesday) morning.
Remaned in custody Thubakgale’s five co-accused were previously released on R1 000 bail each recently and expected back in court later.
According to Provincial Police Communications Head, Motlafela Mojapelo the five co-accused are siblings Lucky (27) and Sophonia Mafa (37), Tumi Mphela (31) church elder William Hlaka (59) and Moloko Mohlabi (24).
The DA was also expected to picket at Mankweng Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Wednesday) for the first appearance of a suspect accused of allegedly killing his girlfriend recently.
Thubakgale’s case was postponed until today (Thursday) at Seshego Magistrate Court due to the unavailability of the sitting magistrate.
In a press release Smalle indicated that the DA in Limpopo strongly condemned any form of violence against women and children in Limpopo. “We will be calling for an honest and professional Police service that is adequately capacitated to deal with the unacceptable levels of violence against women and children in our province and the rest of South Africa,” he said.
The Police recently started investigations after receiving complaints from congregants that the pastor and his accomplices allegedly assaulted them severely during church services when they failed to make tithe offerings, according to Mojapelo. Others reportedly had to surrender their houses and cars and were told to stay on the church premises. Other allegations include extortion of millions of Rand of cash from pensioners.
Mojapelo stated that the pastor was suspected of raping several girls as young as 14. More than 40 cases of rape and assault are being investigated as well as allegations of the concealed deaths of congregates. Thubakgale, also faces two charges of rape in an separate incident allegedly committed in 2012.

Story:
RC Myburgh
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Herbert Rachuene
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Photo: Herbert Rachuene
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