The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the sentencing of a KwaZulu-Natal pastor for the rape and sexual assault of 12 children.

CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said the serial rapist targeted 10 boys and two girls between the ages of seven and 14.

According to the commission, the Nquthu Regional Magistrate’s Court recently handed down a sentence of 10 terms of life in prison.

This sentence was for nine counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, seven five-year terms for sexual assault, and seven five-year terms for exposing a child to pornography.

Baloyi said the accused pastor lured children to his rented property under the pretense of offering spiritual guidance or requiring help with tasks, which is where the abuse occurred.

The CGE said the court upheld the mandatory life sentences for rape, as stipulated by the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, in cases where victims are under 18 years of age.

“This decision affirms the seriousness with which our courts ought to treat crimes of this nature, particularly against minor children.

“The Commission welcomes this outcome, which sends a clear message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full wrath of the law. It is hoped that this judgment will serve not only as justice for the victims but also as a deterrent to potential offenders,” said Baloyi.

Baloyi said the commission monitored this matter as an own accord investigation/complaint, consistent with its constitutional and legislative mandate to monitor gender-based violence matters, promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups, in this case being the minor children.

He said the matter required the coordination of multiple stakeholders in the criminal justice system and involved complex logistical and procedural challenges.

The Commission remains deeply concerned by the abuse of trust and authority within religious and community spaces, he said.

“[The pastor] used his position of authority and trust within the community to manipulate and groom the children, exploiting their respect for religious and adult figures,” said Baloyi.

This outcome aligns with the key findings of the Commission’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial office during its 2024/25 financial year investigation into the implementation of Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), which focuses on access to justice, safety and protection, including coordination.

Baloyi said as part of the investigation, the Commission engaged with key role players, including the SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, to assess the implementation of the pillar, including collaboration.

“The successful prosecution of this case demonstrates the importance and practical value of sustained inter-agency cooperation in ensuring accountability, promoting victim-centred justice, and removing systemic barriers to justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse,” he said.

The recent arrests and sentencing of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors in Limpopo, Free State, and North West have also been noted by the Commission with grave concern.

The commission said the life sentences handed down to certain religious figures highlight systemic issues faced by those who trust some men of the cloth.

• Pastor Albert Tamasane: Sentenced to life imprisonment on two counts for raping an 11-year-old minor.
• Fezile Zozi (North West): Received three life sentences for raping women and minors between 2021 and 2023, often under the guise of spiritual revivals.
• Confidence Monyela (Limpopo): Sentenced to life imprisonment on two counts for raping minors aged 14 to 19.

Baloyi highlighted that these incidents bring to the forefront critical issues concerning the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and minors by self-proclaimed prophets and pastors.

He said some of these cases are still ongoing in court.

“These matters underscore the urgent need for child safeguarding mechanisms in all institutions, particularly those led by individuals in positions of trust,” he said.

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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