A 57-year-old Limpopo pastor is expected to appear in the Seshego magistrate's court in Limpopo on Tuesday on a range of charges including rape, kidnapping, assault and concealment of death.
The pastor was arrested on Monday alongside five other church members, said brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
"The police started investigating these cases soon after receiving complaints from some of the congregants that the pastor and his accomplices allegedly assaulted them severely during church services if they failed to make tithe offerings. Others allegedly had to surrender their houses and cars and were told to stay within the church premises," said Mojapelo.
"Other allegations include extortion of millions in cash from pensioners who had just retired. Said pastor is also suspected of having raped girls as young as 14.
"More than 40 cases of rape and assault are being investigated. The police are also investigating allegations that the deaths of certain congregants might have been concealed," he added.
Mojapelo said the pastor had two pending cases of rape from the year 2012. "The victims were 14 and 16 at the time.
"He was out on R2,000 bail when he was arrested for the latest crimes."
Mojapelo said more arrests could be made.
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