Mamelodi Pastor sentenced to life behind bars for raping minors

The father of two teenage girls who were sexually violated by 41-year-old Mamelodi pastor, William Mogudu, has welcomed the life sentence handed down by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

Mogudu was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two minors from Newtown Informal Settlement in 2022.

Community members allege that Mogudu may have violated at least five minors, including the daughters of some of his close friends.

The disturbing incidents reportedly took place either at his “Jesus Is The Answer” church or at the children’s homes while their parents were away.

Michael Sebati, a former close friend and colleague of Mogudu, says he was devastated to discover that both his daughters were among the victims.

The abuse took place at his home while the girls were left alone. One of the cases was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

Sebati says his daughters are still dealing with the emotional scars — with one now experiencing severe anxiety around men.

Despite the trauma, he believes justice has finally been served.

Another victim’s mother, Bertha Boroto, says the trauma has profoundly changed her daughter’s life.

She recalls how her daughter, who was just 14 at the time of the abuse, has lost the spark that once defined her.

“This case has caused my family a lot of pain. My child hasn’t healed yet even at school her performance has dropped, which is extremely unusual of her because she is brilliant. She isn’t as happy as I know her to normally be. It has been very painful for me to watch her being like this,” says Boroto.

Some concerned residents from Newtown Informal Settlement who attended the sentencing said William Mogudu deserves to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Speaking to YNews, Kholofelo Letsoalo, described Mogudu as a danger to society.

She also urged parents and community members to remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye on children, as part of a collective effort to protect them and rid society of predators.

During sentencing, Mogudu’s lawyer, Advocate Oberholzer, pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s responsibilities toward his wife and three children.

However, State Prosecutor Andries Ntjana, called for the maximum penalty, arguing that the severity of Mogudu’s crimes and the community’s loss of trust in him warranted a life sentence.

“The community members are aggrieved citing that they don’t want him in their community anymore. This shows how serious the accused person betrayed the trust of the people around him; the community, the congregation members, and children,” says Ntjana.

Magistrate Pillay sentenced Mogudu to life imprisonment for rape and an additional five years for sexual assault, with both sentences to run concurrently.

She further ruled that he is not eligible for appeal and ordered that his name be entered into the Child Sex Offenders Register.

“The court declares that the accused isn’t fit to also own a firearm and because his offences involve children under the age of 16. The accused’s name will be entered into the Sex Offenders Register and further his name will be put on the Children’s Court Register,” said Magistrate Pillay.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao