A 44-year-old pastor who is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl has been denied bail by the Sabie Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga.
The teenager, who is a member of the pastor’s church, told her grandmother about the ordeal. The pastor fled the area and was arrested in Lydenburg.
The accused is facing charges of rape, being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The court stated that the accused failed to provide exceptional circumstances to be released on bail.
The pastor’s attempts to be released on bail have been dismissed by the Sabie Magistrate’s Court.
The 44-year-old pastor confirmed to the court that he had sexual intercourse with the victim but said it was consensual.
But the court through the presiding officer stated that the accused abused his position as a pastor to commit the alleged crime.
It was also revealed that the pastor failed to provide exceptional circumstances to be released on bail. It is alleged that the victim was raped on several occasions at the pastor’s house. The victim’s grandmother has welcomed the court’s decision.
“We are happy because if they give him the bail, we are not safe and all the children are not safe. If the government say no, I’m happy they are protecting the community, they protect the children, I’m so worried about the child I said to her I’m with her don’t be scared.”
During the bail application, angry residents submitted two petitions which were also handed in as evidence in court.
The community continued to protest outside court in solidarity with the victim. The community also objected to the pastor’s release on bail.
NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa elaborates. “We are satisfied with the court’s decision of denying bail to the accused. The court felt that the accused failed the exceptional circumstances permitting his release on bail it also found that the accused abused his position as pastor by sexually violating the victims. So, going forward, the National Prosecuting Authority will make sure that investigations are finalised and transfer to the trial court.”
The matter has been postponed to the 6th of January next year for further police investigations.
SABC
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