A 42-year-old South African pastor has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 25-year-old woman under the guise of offering her spiritual healing.………
The Mahwelereng Regional Court handed down the sentence by convicting Thabiso Victor Mongatane for the 2022 rape that took place in Masodi village.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Mongatane exploited his position of trust and manipulated the woman into believing she was suffering from a condition that required spiritual intervention.
“A 42-year-old man abused his powers and raped a vulnerable woman after making her believe she had a condition that needed spiritual intervention,” Ledwaba said.
The incident dates back to March 2022, when the victim’s mother became ill, and Mongatane was recommended by a relative to assist with her healing.
The victim brought her mother to Mongatane’s premises, where he conducted what was described as spiritual treatment.
Several months later, on September 4, Mongatane prophesied over the young woman and instructed her to return two days later for further intervention related to so-called “obstacles” in her life.
On September 7, the woman complied and returned to Mongatane’s premises.
Ledwaba explained that Mongatane instructed the woman to undress and cover herself for steaming as part of the ritual. After leaving her briefly, he returned and told her not to get dressed as he wished to continue the treatment. It was during this session that Mongatane raped her.
The victim later opened a rape case at her local police station.
