Bishop Zondo
By Mpho Moloi
Bishop Stephen Zondo, the leader of the Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, will face trial after the Pretoria High Court rejected his latest attempt to have the rape charges against him withdrawn. Judge Papi Mosopa ruled on Friday that the evidence presented by the state is “credible, reliable, and trustworthy,” dismissing Zondo’s claims that the allegations are part of a plot to destroy his reputation. The case, which has gripped South Africa, involves accusations that Zondo raped congregants and staff at his church, often under the guise of prayer sessions. With the trial set to resume on Monday, Zondo’s legal team now faces the daunting task of mounting a defense against multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
A Landmark Ruling in a High-Profile Case
The Pretoria High Court’s decision marks a significant moment in a case that has unfolded over several years, drawing intense public scrutiny and media attention. Bishop Zondo, a prominent figure in South Africa’s religious landscape, stands accused of raping seven women, most of whom were members of his congregation. The allegations, which date back to the 1980s, have shocked the nation and raised questions about the abuse of power within religious institutions.
In his ruling, Judge Mosopa emphasised the strength of the state’s case, stating that the evidence before him was “credible, reliable, and trustworthy.” He rejected Zondo’s application for a discharge under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows for charges to be dropped if the court believes there is insufficient evidence to proceed. “There is a need for the accused to answer to the allegations,” Mosopa said, underscoring the gravity of the charges.
Zondo’s defense team, led by advocate Piet Pistorius, had argued that the accusations were fabricated and motivated by a desire to tarnish the bishop’s image. “When you want to destroy a man’s reputation, accuse him of rape,” Pistorius told the court, pointing to inconsistencies in the testimonies and the long delays in reporting the alleged crimes. However, Judge Mosopa dismissed these claims, noting that the trustworthiness of the witnesses depended on their “power of observation, recollection, and narration” of the events in question.
The ruling has been hailed as a victory for the alleged victims, many of whom have faced immense pressure and scrutiny since coming forward. “This decision sends a clear message that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful they may be,” said Sizakele Poopedi, a former church member who has been vocal in her support for the complainants. Poopedi, who worked closely with Zondo during her five years at the church, added that many other alleged victims have been too afraid to speak out, fearing victimisation.
The Allegations: A Pattern of Abuse
The case against Bishop Zondo is built on a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse. According to testimonies heard in court, Zondo’s modus operandi was to lure women into his office under the pretense of prayer, only to sexually assault or rape them. The charges span decades, with one of the most harrowing accusations involving the rape of a seven-year-old girl in 1980.
In one instance, a witness testified that Zondo raped her and then said, “Thanks for trusting me with your body.” Another complainant recounted how the bishop allegedly put his genitals in her mouth during what was supposed to be a prayer session. These graphic accounts have painted a picture of a predator who exploited his position of authority to manipulate and violate vulnerable women.
The state has also presented evidence suggesting that Zondo’s actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader culture of abuse within the church. Several witnesses have described a climate of fear and intimidation, where dissent was silenced, and victims were discouraged from reporting their ordeals. “The church was like a fortress,” one former congregant told the court. “You couldn’t question the bishop – he was untouchable.”
A Legal Battle Marked by Delays and Drama
The road to trial has been long and fraught with delays. Zondo’s legal team has employed various tactics to stall the proceedings, including multiple applications for postponements and challenges to the admissibility of evidence. In September 2024, the defense sought to have expert testimony from clinical psychologist Professor Gerard Labuschagne declared inadmissible. Labuschagne had been called by the state to explain why victims of sexual abuse often delay reporting their experiences – a key point given that many of Zondo’s alleged victims came forward years after the incidents.
Judge Mosopa, however, ruled that Labuschagne’s evidence was relevant and admissible, dealing a blow to the defense’s strategy. “The court may not draw any inference only from the length of any delay between the alleged commission of such offence and the reporting thereof,” Mosopa said, citing the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.
The trial has also been marked by emotional outbursts and tense exchanges. During one session, Zondo’s counsel accused a witness of lying and giving false evidence, prompting a stern rebuke from the judge. “The defense must stop questioning the victim about previous sexual history,” Mosopa ordered, reinforcing the court’s commitment to protecting the dignity of the complainants.
The Man at the Center: Bishop Stephen Zondo
Bishop Stephen Zondo is no ordinary defendant. As the founder and leader of the Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, he commands a large following across South Africa. His church, known for its charismatic services and promises of divine healing, has attracted thousands of worshippers over the years. Zondo’s influence extends beyond the pulpit; he is a well-known figure in evangelical circles and has cultivated relationships with political and business leaders.
But beneath the veneer of piety, a darker story has emerged. Former church members describe Zondo as a domineering figure who wielded absolute control over his congregation. “He was like a god to us,” one ex-member said. “People would do anything he asked, no questions.” This unchecked power, according to the prosecution, created an environment where abuse could flourish.
Zondo has vehemently denied all the charges, portraying himself as the victim of a smear campaign. In a statement released through his lawyers, he claimed that the allegations are part of a “witch hunt” orchestrated by rivals within the church. “I have dedicated my life to serving God and helping others,” he said. “These lies will not break me.”
Despite his protestations, the weight of the evidence appears to be mounting. The state has called more than a dozen witnesses, including forensic experts and psychologists, to bolster its case. The defense, meanwhile, has struggled to poke holes in the prosecution’s narrative, with Judge Mosopa repeatedly siding with the state on key procedural matters.
A Community Divided
The case has split the Rivers of Living Waters Ministries and the broader Christian community in South Africa. While some congregants remain loyal to Zondo, others have distanced themselves from the church, disillusioned by the revelations. “I can’t believe this is happening,” said one longtime member who asked to remain anonymous. “We trusted him with our lives, and now it feels like everything was a lie.”
The scandal has also reignited debates about the accountability of religious leaders in South Africa. In recent years, several high-profile pastors have been accused of sexual misconduct, fraud, and other crimes, prompting calls for greater oversight of churches. “This case is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Thabo Mokoena, a theologian at the University of Pretoria. “We need to ensure that places of worship are safe spaces, not hunting grounds for predators.”
For the alleged victims, the trial represents a chance for justice after years of silence. Many have faced backlash and threats since coming forward, but they remain determined to see the case through. “I’m doing this for my daughter,” one complainant told the court. “I don’t want her to grow up in a world where men like him can get away with it.”
What’s Next: The Defense’s Turn
With Zondo’s application for discharge dismissed, the trial will now shift to the defense phase. Zondo’s legal team, led by Pistorius, will have the opportunity to call witnesses and present evidence in his favor. This could include character witnesses, alibis, or attempts to discredit the state’s case.
However, legal experts believe the defense faces an uphill battle. “The judge’s comments about the credibility of the evidence are telling,” said Advocate Lindiwe Nkosi, a criminal law specialist. “It suggests that the state has built a strong case, and the defense will need to do more than just cast doubt – they’ll need to provide concrete proof of innocence.”
The trial is expected to resume on Monday, 17 March 2025, with the defense likely to request additional time to prepare. Judge Mosopa has already warned Zondo that failure to appear in court will result in a warrant for his arrest, underscoring the seriousness of the proceedings.
A Case That Could Set Precedents
Beyond the immediate implications for Zondo and his accusers, the case has the potential to set important legal precedents in South Africa. One key issue is the admissibility of expert testimony on delayed reporting in sexual abuse cases. By allowing Professor Labuschagne’s evidence, the court has reinforced the principle that delays in reporting do not undermine the credibility of victims.
“This is a crucial development,” said Nkosi. “For too long, defense teams have used delays in reporting as a way to discredit survivors. This ruling sends a message that the law recognises the complexities of trauma and memory.”
The case also highlights the challenges of prosecuting historical sexual offences. Many of the alleged crimes took place decades ago, making it difficult to gather physical evidence or corroborating witnesses. However, the court’s decision to proceed suggests that testimonial evidence, when deemed credible, can be sufficient to sustain a prosecution.
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