Khayelitsha residents have called for a church to be shut following the arrest of a pastor who allegedly raped his female members.
Cape Town - Khayelitsha residents have called for a church to be shut following the arrest of a pastor who allegedly raped his female members claiming he could heal them, while clergyman asked for charismatic places of worship to be monitored by an authenticated body.
Police made the arrest earlier this month, after three victims between the ages of 15 and 23 came forward.
It’s alleged the pastor claimed he could heal his female congregation members using sexual intercourse and raped them.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the 51-year-old pastor is expected to make an appearance at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on charges related to the allegations.
“Khayelitsha Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit swooped on a Khayelitsha pastor after claims were made that he assaulted and raped victims at his church between November 2022 and January 2025,” Twigg explained.
“It is alleged that people would go to the pastor for healing and he would tell them healing is possible but then the victims must stay at the church and that is where he would convince them to have sexual intercourse with him to receive their healing.”
Twigg said the alarm was raised by the community who became aware of his alleged behaviour and had a community meeting. It was then that two victims came forward and made the claims.
“The victims 15, 22 and 23 are safe and are receiving treatment and counselling.”
A community notice which was shared with the Cape Argus, revealed that leaders were calling for the church in Endlovini to be shut down, after victims allegedly claimed harrowing accounts of abuse, emotional and physical manipulation, even forced marriage and sexual exploitation.
They asked for stakeholders together with residents to consider the shut down of the church.
Fransina Lukas of the Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum (CPF) and CPF Provincial and National Chairperson said they were aware of the arrest and confirmed that a meeting had been held with residents.
“We condemn it in the strongest terms and are disgusted by the allegations against a pastor who holds a position of trust and respect in the community,” she said.
“The law must take its course, and should the suspect be found guilty, the maximum sentence must be imposed by the court.
“Too many women and girls fell victim to rape, abuse, and femicide.”
Pastor Oscar Bougardt, activist and clergyman, said more churches had to be monitored by an authenticated body as many congregation members entrusted leaders with their personal lives and were manipulated.
“These criminals should be jailed and never allowed to lead any church,” he said.
“It’s a common practice and many people in church know about these assaults and cover up for their spiritual leaders.
“Many members are indoctrinated by pastors and believe everything he tells them.
“The South African government should compel Pentecostal and Charismatic churches to join a body that will hold pastors and leaders accountable for wicked acts.”
Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu, an organisation which advocates for the rights of women and children, said they condemned the abuse of power by religious leaders.
“This case is a harrowing reminder of the ways in which positions of power can be exploited to perpetuate gender-based violence, particularly against women and children,” he explained.
“The reported manipulation of victims, convincing them that sexual acts were necessary for healing is not only a betrayal of trust but also a gross abuse of religious authority.
“Survivors of such heinous crimes often face deep psychological and emotional trauma, and it is crucial that they receive the support and justice they deserve.
“We commend the survivors for their bravery in coming forward and urge law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable.
“This case also highlights the broader issue of gender-based violence within religious institutions. Faith communities should be places of refuge, not spaces where predators are enabled to exploit those seeking guidance and healing.”
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