The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of a serial rapist pastor in a harrowing case involving the sexual abuse of 12 minor children, including 10 boys and two girls, aged between seven and 14.
The sentence was handed down by the Nquthu Regional Magistrate’s Court on 23 July 2025.
According to the CGE, the 59-year-old was convicted and sentenced to 10 life imprisonment terms for nine counts of rape and one count of attempted rape, seven five-year terms for seven counts of sexual assault, and seven five-year terms for exposure of a child to pornography between 2020 and 2022.
The CGE also noted that the court did not deviate from the mandatory life sentences prescribed by the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 for rape where the victims are under the age of 18.
“This decision affirms the seriousness with which our courts ought to treat crimes of this nature, particularly against minor children. The Commission welcomes this outcome, which sends a clear message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full wrath of the law.
“It is hoped that this judgment will serve not only as justice for the victims, but also as a deterrent to potential offenders,” the Commission said in a statement.
The CGE stated that it has conducted an own-initiative investigation related to this issue.
This action aligns with its constitutional and legislative mandate to monitor matters of gender-based violence (GBV), promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups, specifically the minor children involved in this case.
“The matter required the coordination of multiple stakeholders in the criminal justice system and involved complex logistical and procedural challenges.”
According to the CGE, the accused pastor lured children to his rented premises under the pretense that they were helping him with tasks and under the guise of offering spiritual or pastoral guidance, where the abuse took place.
“He used his position of authority and trust within the community to manipulate and groom the children, exploiting their respect for religious and adult figures.
“The Commission remains deeply concerned by the abuse of trust and authority within religious and community spaces.”
This outcome is consistent with the key findings from the Commission’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office during its investigation in the financial year 2024/25.
The investigation focused on the implementation of Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), which emphasises access to justice, safety and protection, and effective coordination.
“As part of the investigation, the Commission engaged with key role players, including the SAPS, NPA, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, to assess the implementation of the pillar, including collaboration.”
The Commission believes that this successful prosecution of this case demonstrates the importance and practical value of sustained interagency cooperation in ensuring accountability, promoting victim-centred justice, and removing systemic barriers to justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse.
Life imprisonment for self-proclaimed prophets
Meanwhile, the CGE said it has also noted with grave concern the recent arrests and sentencing of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors in Limpopo, Free State, and North West.
This includes life imprisonment of Pastor Albert Tamasane on two counts for raping an 11-year-old girl, and three life sentences handed to Fezile Zozi in North West for raping women and minors between 2021 and 2023, under the disguise of spiritual revivals.
In addition, Confidence Monyela of Limpopo was convicted on two counts of raping minors between the ages of 14 and 19, bringing into the spotlight the systemic issues that confront those who trust some men of the cloth.
“It raises fundamental questions about the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and minors at the hands of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors, taking into cognisance that some are still going on trial.
“These matters underscore the urgent need for child safeguarding mechanisms in all institutions, particularly those led by individuals in positions of trust,” the Commission added. – SAnews.gov.za
