A 31-year-old pastor from Welgedacht was arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl on April 15.
According to Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, Springs SAPS spokesperson, the victim’s mother became concerned as it became late and her daughter hadn’t arrived home.
Tshabalala said that when the mother called the pastor to find out about the whereabouts of her daughter, he claimed that she had left the church around 22:00.
“The victim was dropped off by an unknown person at about 20:00. She explained to her mother that the pastor forced himself on her when she asked about her whereabouts.”
The police were immediately notified and a case of rape was opened.
“The suspect was traced by the police and was arrested on Wednesday.”
The Springs SAPS urges parents to take care of their children and not abandon them in the hands of strangers, regardless of their religious beliefs, to avoid similar incidents occurring.
The pastor is expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
