The KwaSizabantu Mission, a Christian organisation known for its ownership of aQuelle bottled water in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, is grappling with harrowing allegations of child abuse and rape.

These accusations emerged in court documents filed at the Pretoria High Court in February.

Erika Bornman, a whistleblower and prominent voice in the legal battle, said they are suing KwaSizabantu and a Chapter 9 institution for damages due to an inadequate investigation into the mission’s practices.

Bornman described how the group has allegedly adopted increasingly alarming cult-like behaviours over the past three to four decades, particularly emphasising the pattern of leader adulation.

According to the court papers, the head of the organisation, Erlo Stegen, is at the centre of these unsettling claims. There are allegations that Stegen physically abused children, purportedly believing he had divine permission to do so.

“Young children were beaten severely and randomly by Stegen who claimed to have been told by God that the child needed to be beaten,” the documents read.

This reflects broader concerns about the mission’s treatment of minors, with complaints of excessive corporal punishment and a terrifying doctrine that forces children to endure a climate of fear.

Further allegations against KwaSizabantu paint a grim and distressing reality.

Children reportedly faced physical abuse, were subjected to prolonged periods of isolation in oppressive environments and were denied access to basic necessities such as water and sanitation facilities.

The implications of these practices echo through the lives of the individuals involved, stirring deep concerns over emotional and psychological harm.

Beyond physical brutality, the mission stands accused of perpetuating sexual violence and assault, including child rape.

The allegations suggest a toxic environment rife with gender-based violence (GBV) and violent misogyny, where victims of harassment and rape are scapegoated and blamed for their suffering. 

“KwaSizabantu still believes you have to break the spirit of a child by the age of three. They say they’ve stopped beating children but I, for one, don’t believe them,” Bornman added. “Maybe not in public anymore, sure. But they believe hurting children is their God-given right and duty.”

IOL

Source link