LIMPOPO- Police investigations are underway after a 40-year-old pastor, Sikhubu Phathutshedzo Innocent, allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl in a church in Sibasa, Thohoyandou policing area, in Limpopo.
Innocent appeared at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 21 following his arrest on July 20 for the alleged sexual assault he allegedly committed earlier this month, July 9.
Reporting on the matter, Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Innocent allegedly called the minor to come to the church premises. Upon her arrival, the victim found the pastor alone in the church office.
Ledwaba explained: “It is alleged that the suspect locked the door and forced the victim to perform sexual acts before repeatedly raping her. The suspect then allegedly instructed the victim to remain silent about the incident.”
Days after the incident, the young victim courageously disclosed the ordeal to her family on Saturday, July 19, after which the police were immediately notified.
A case of rape was opened and investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Innocent’s matter has been remanded until July 30 for profiling and further investigations. He remains in police custody.
