The Oudtshoorn regional court on Monday sentenced a pastor to 54 years’ imprisonment after his conviction on three counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault, one of sexual assault and 26 counts of child pornography.
The accused, who cannot be named because the complainants were family members, indecently assaulted and raped a 13-year-old in 2003 at his house, office and church. The complainant reported the matter to the police in 2018.
The pastor also sexually assaulted and raped his 14-year-old adopted daughter in his house, office and church, said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
The man was also convicted on 26 counts of child pornography after downloading images from the internet. He denied the girls in the images downloaded were underage. The state led the evidence of an expert witness who testified that the girls were indeed under 18. The accused admitted he is addicted to pornography.
Western Cape director of public prosecutions Nicolette Bell welcomed the sentence and expressed shock at the abuse of power exercised by the pastor over children who trusted him.
“We condemn any form of violence against women and children. We hope this sentence sends a stern message to other would-be rapists and abusers of children that the courts will do all in their power to send them to jail for a very long time,” Bell said.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Western Cape pastor who raped two girls gets 54 years in prison
Image: 123RF/Allan Swart
The Oudtshoorn regional court on Monday sentenced a pastor to 54 years’ imprisonment after his conviction on three counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault, one of sexual assault and 26 counts of child pornography.
The accused, who cannot be named because the complainants were family members, indecently assaulted and raped a 13-year-old in 2003 at his house, office and church. The complainant reported the matter to the police in 2018.
The pastor also sexually assaulted and raped his 14-year-old adopted daughter in his house, office and church, said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
The man was also convicted on 26 counts of child pornography after downloading images from the internet. He denied the girls in the images downloaded were underage. The state led the evidence of an expert witness who testified that the girls were indeed under 18. The accused admitted he is addicted to pornography.
Western Cape director of public prosecutions Nicolette Bell welcomed the sentence and expressed shock at the abuse of power exercised by the pastor over children who trusted him.
“We condemn any form of violence against women and children. We hope this sentence sends a stern message to other would-be rapists and abusers of children that the courts will do all in their power to send them to jail for a very long time,” Bell said.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE:
Bokgabo Poo, 4, buried at emotional funeral in Ekurhuleni
Two of 12 inmates who escaped from police custody caught trying to cross border into Mozambique
'Ekurhuleni serial rapist' pleads guilty to 148 charges, including 93 rape cases
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos