LIMPOPO – A 51-year-old pastor was arrested on Monday, 17 June by police in Thabazimbi, outside Bela-Bela, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl.
Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe reports that the suspect arrived at the victim’s home for a prayer session and told the victim’s mother that the girl was sick. He then claimed the girl should accompany him to the nearest river so she could receive healing.
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“The victim’s mother panicked when the two had not returned and she informed the father who then went looking for them. He was surprised to see his child half-naked, running and screaming for help. The frightened girl then alleged the pastor raped her,” Ngoepe’s statement read.
A case of rape was opened and the suspect was tracked down and was arrested. He is expected to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court, soon.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has condemned continuous acts of sexual violence perpetrated against children. He has urged parents to take care of their children and not abandon them regardless of their religious beliefs, to avoid similar incidents from occurring.
