In a major legal blow to controversial church leader Stephen Bafana Zondo, the Pretoria High Court has dismissed his application to have Judge Papi Masopa recused from presiding over his ongoing rape and sexual assault trial.
Zondo, the head of the Rivers of Living Waters Church, is facing 10 serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and defeating the ends of justice — all tied to allegations from seven women, many of whom were former members of his congregation.
No Proof of Bias, Says Court
In his recusal bid, Zondo accused Judge Masopa of judicial bias, suggesting the court could not fairly assess his case. However, the application failed to present convincing evidence, and the court ruled that Masopa will continue to preside over the high-profile trial.
“Allegations of bias must be backed by clear facts,” the court stated. “Speculation and dissatisfaction with previous rulings are not enough.”
Long-Running Case with National Spotlight
The case has drawn significant national attention since first surfacing in 2021, with testimonies exposing alleged abuse spanning multiple decades. In March 2025, the court rejected another attempt by Zondo to have the charges dismissed, citing credible and consistent victim accounts.
A Divisive Defense
Zondo’s legal team, led by Advocate Piet Pistorius, continues to argue that the case is a fabricated conspiracy, allegedly driven by jealousy and extortion aimed at discrediting the pastor’s influence, power, and wealth within religious and business circles.
What’s Next?
With the judge firmly remaining on the bench, the trial is expected to resume in the coming weeks, as the prosecution prepares to call additional witnesses and build on the extensive testimony already recorded.
This latest ruling keeps the spotlight firmly on a trial that could have deep implications for both Zondo’s legacy and South Africa’s broader reckoning with power, faith, and abuse.
