Zondo’s rape case resumes

The leader of the Rivers of Living Waters, Pastor Stephen Zondo, returns to the high court in Pretoria this morning after his case was adjourned on Monday.

His attorney, Jeffrey Rahlagane, protested against the case proceeding without him having received a written judgment of the dismissal of his application, requesting that some of the charges against him be thrown out of court.

“Judgment was made against our application for section 174 (of the SA Criminal Procedure Act). We went to the chamber to request a written judgment to reserve our rights, before taking the matter any further,” said Rahlagane

Presiding Judge Papi Mosopa promised to issue the ruling within 48 hours and warned Zondo that he will impose a penalty against him should he abscond court today.

Pastor Zondo, whose influence extends beyond the pulpit and within evangelical circles, also has firm relationships within the political and business landscape.

He has dismissed the rape and fraud claims that have been levelled against him as a smear campaign.

Zondo stands accused of being a sexual predator, who preys on his churchgoers.

His name is attached to several rape charges, spanning over four decades, with his youngest victim said to have been 7 years old at the time of the ungodly act.

Members of his church have been left divided by the scandal. While some have cut ties with the organisation, others continue to support him – also accusing his critics of being part of a campaign to tarnish the bishop’s image. Written by Odirile Rabolao