Mkhuhlu – A 39-year-old pastor accused of raping a teenage member of his church has appeared in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court, in Mpumalanga.
The “man of God” was in the dock earlier this week, on Monday, but he was not asked to plead.
Allegations are that three weeks ago, the pastor raped a 15-year-old girl at her home.
The pastor was subsequently arrested at the weekend by the SA Police Service (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the SAPS acted as soon as the rape survivor reported the matter.
“The incident involving the 15-year-old child reportedly occurred at the young girl’s residential place on 24 January 2024,” Colonel Mdhluli said.
“The victim finally broke her silence… on 7 February 2024.”
The accused, who can not be named to protect the teenager, will remain behind bars until his next court appearance on Thursday, (15 February 2024).
