EDITORIAL | Be faithful to victims, not perpetrators

Serious charges against ‘men of the cloth’ should see their followers reconsider their unquestioning loyalty

10 May 2023 - 21:04

This week the high court in Pretoria heard testimony against Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo. He is accused of raping seven women, many of them members of his church, Rivers of Living Waters Ministries. One of the most appalling moments was when a member of his congregation testified how he told her “the spirit of rape was upon her”. A man she trusted, a supposed man of God, a man in a position of authority, told her this “spirit” was the reason he forced himself onto her. Not only is this an attempt at intimidating her, but also a preposterous way to excuse his alleged behaviour. ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.