MBOMBELA – A 28-year-old leader of a local church in Mkhuhlu near Hazyview, was remanded in custody on October 4, in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on a charge of the rape of a minor that took place in August 2018.

The suspect allegedly raped one of his congregants, a 15-year-old girl.

According to information at police disposal, the man reportedly contacted the victim on social media and requested her to come to the church so that he could pray for her. The girl then went to the church where the accused reportedly tried to rape her. The following week he contacted her again, resulting in the rape. He then intimidated her into keeping her silence.The victim’s family, however, discovered the rape and reported the matter to the police. The suspect was arrested. The case was postponed to October 11 for a formal bail application.

The Calcutta Police appealed to the community,  in particular to any members of the congregation who might have fallen victim to the suspect, to report any incidents to the police, as they believe that their might be more victims involved in this case.

Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlati
Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
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