A 42 YEAR-OLD PASTOR IS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A 25 YEAR-OLD FEMALE VICTIM

A 42 YEAR-OLD PASTOR IS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF A 25 YEAR-OLD FEMALE VICTIM

POLOKWANE: The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded meticulous work by the investigating team and further welcomed the conviction and subsequent sentencing of a 42 year old man who abused his powers and raped a vulnerable woman after making her to believe that she had a condition that needed spiritual intervention by the same man who then turned against her.

A 42 year-old Pastor, Thabiso Victor Mongatane was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape of a 25 year-old female victim at Masodi village on Wednesday 07 September 2022.

The Court noted that during March 2022, the victim’s mother fell sick and the accused was recommended by a relative to assist in curing her illness. A 25 year-old victim drove her mother to Masodi village under Mahwelereng policing area and found Mongatane who treated the mother of her sickness.

The Court further noted that on Sunday 04 September 2022, the Pastor prophesized the victim and told her to come back after two days to get assistance about her obstacles. The victim drove back to the premises to get treatment from the Pastor on Wednesday 07 September 2022.

Upon arrival, the victim was ordered to take off her clothes and cover her body for steaming. Mongatane further left the victim for a few minutes and returned afterwards. He then ordered the victim not to dress because he wanted to continue with the treatment and she complied.

The accused then took advantage of the victim and raped her during the treatment session.

A rape case was opened at the local police and the matter was transferred to Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS). The case was allocated to Sergeant Lesetja Langa for further investigations and subsequently that led to Mongatane’s apprehension on 28 March 2024.

During the court proceedings, Mongatane was later granted R1000,00 bail until he was convicted and sentenced to fifteen (15) years direct imprisonment at the Mahwelereng Regional court on Monday 07 April 2025.