Mamelodi Pastor Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Raping 12-Year-Old Congregant
Pretoria – The National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed the life imprisonment sentence, plus five years’ direct imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court to a 41-year-old pastor from Jesus Is the Answer Ministries (JITAM) in Mamelodi East. The pastor has been convicted of the rape of a 12-year-old girl, and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, both of whom were congregants at his church. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with life imprisonment and that his name be entered into the Register of Sexual Offenders. He was further declared unfit to work with children and to possess a firearm.
This case has shocked the community and highlighted the dangers faced by young people in places meant to be safe, like churches. The pastor, who held a position of trust, took advantage of vulnerable children, leading to a strong message from the court about protecting society from such acts. The incidents happened in 2021 and 2022, and after a long process, justice has been served, bringing some relief to the victims and their families.
The Shocking Incidents of Abuse
The first incident took place in November 2021. The 13-year-old girl went to the church for choir practice, to which she was early. The pastor instructed her to enter the church building with him, at which point he started to question her about serving in the church and he promised to provide her with anything she wanted. Thereafter, he began to touch her chest, breast and buttocks. The victim pulled back, walked out of the church building, and joined other church members who also came for the choir practice.
The other incident happened on 09 April 2022 when the 12-year-old girl was alone at her home in Mamelodi. The pastor arrived at her home, asked her about her parents’ whereabouts, and requested to enter the house. After learning that the parents of the victim were not home, he entered the house, complimented the victim, and promised to marry her while touching her breast and buttocks. Thereafter he pushed the victim on the sofa, undressed both of them and raped her before leaving.
On 07 August 2022, while the stepfather of the 12-year-old was at church, both victims approached him and asked about steps to take after being abused by the pastor. Later that day at home, the stepfather questioned the 12-year-old, who disclosed the incident. The parents then went to the police station and opened a case against the pastor. On 16 August 2022, the stepfather informed the mother of the 13-year-old about the incident. The mother confronted her daughter, who disclosed what had happened. The mother reported the matter to the police on the same day.
Both victims were taken to Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where they received medical care, psychological, and legal assistance. The police’s Family Sexual Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) investigated the matter.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
The pastor was arrested at his residence on 30 August 2022 and has remained in custody since the National Prosecuting Authority successfully opposed his bail application. In court, the pastor pleaded not guilty, claiming the stepfather of the 12-year-old was falsely accusing him because he wanted to take over as pastor in the church.
State Prosecutor Andries Ntjana presented evidence, including testimony from Dr. Lukhozi from TCC who examined the 13-year-old victim, and the testimonies of both victims, proving the pastor’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. During sentencing, the pastor, through his legal representative, requested deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence, arguing he was a first-time offender, had played a positive role in the community, had three children to care for, and had been in custody since August 2022.
Ntjana argued that rape is a serious, violent offence that deprives a child of their childhood and requested life imprisonment. The presiding Magistrate, Lynn Pillay, agreed with the state that the pastor showed no remorse. He committed serious offences that are prevalent in the court’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, she said it was the responsibility of the courts to protect communities from such perpetrators by removing them from the communities. Therefore, she found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing life imprisonment.
NPA and Community Response
NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently with life imprisonment and that his name be entered into the Register of Sexual Offenders. “He was further declared unfit to work with children and to possess a firearm,” she added.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren, commended Prosecutor Ntjana, stating such cases provide justice and remove violent criminals from streets. The NPA urges vigilance, prompt reporting of abuse, and support through TCCs, which offer medical, psychological, and legal aid. The case highlights the critical role of parents in recognizing and acting on signs of abuse.
This sentencing sends a clear message that those in positions of trust who abuse children will face the full force of the law. Communities in Mamelodi and beyond are calling for more awareness and protection measures in places of worship to prevent such tragedies.
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