A 34-year-old pastor from the New Babillon Apostolic Church in Evaton West, Gauteng, has been charged with inappropriate conduct involving a 14-year-old girl, a member of his church.
The pastor appeared in the Sebokeng Regional Court on Tuesday in connection with multiple allegations of misconduct that took place over several months. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provided details of the case, which was brought to light after the young girl shared her experiences with her family.
Details of the Case
According to the NPA, on August 16, 2024, the victim, her parents, and the pastor were returning from a spiritual retreat in Clarence, Free State. During a stop at a filling station, it is alleged that the pastor followed the victim to the restroom. While her parents waited in the car, the incident occurred.
Afterwards, the pastor is said to have requested that the victim’s mother bring her to church for prayer sessions. Between August 2024 and January 2025, it is claimed that the pastor’s behavior continued during these sessions, with the victim’s mother waiting outside.
The matter came to light when the victim began experiencing health issues and shared her concerns with her sister, who informed their parents. The situation was then reported to the authorities.
Court Proceedings and Bail Hearing
The pastor was arrested on March 2, 2025. The case was postponed to March 13, 2025, for a formal bail application. The NPA has expressed its intention to oppose the bail application due to the seriousness of the allegations.
This case highlights the importance of trust and safety within community settings, and the legal process will continue to carefully address the claims.
