Church building torched as Malawian pastor faces rape allegations
The Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church building in the Garden Route was set alight, following allegations of rape levelled against its Malawian pastor.
As the SABC, the 33-year-old man is due to appear at the George Magistrate Court after being charged with raping a congregant inside the church.
Malawian pastor accused of rape
The 23-year-old alleged victim says the incident occurred on 28 December 2019, when the pastor invited her for evening prayer.
According to the woman, after asking her personal questions, he then forced himself onto her on a couch.
However, the pastor denies the allegations levelled against him, claiming the act was consensual.
In an open letter attributed to the man – who was arrested on Friday – says both he and the young woman “fell into the sexual trap willingly”.
“I tried to take full responsibility for this by apologising to her when she started feeling bad and guilty of what we all did. Unfortunately, it all heightened this big issue now. Both me and her know there was nothing like a rape [sic].”
The pastor says he was advised to flee when the allegations popped up, but opted against that.
“Whether what I claim as my truth will be defeated, it’s all fine. I will accept the verdict, but I solemnly deny that I raped her and she knows it very well, but I will let justice take its course. I am much aware if proven guilty, I will be arrested and serve my sentence.
“I am not trying to defend myself, what me and her did was wrong.
The woman is reportedly being kept in a safe house, following fears of harassment from church members.
ECG church courts more controversy
The church is no stranger to controversy, mostly through its flamboyant leader, Shepherd Bushiri, who has also had his fair share of legal troubles.
The multi-millionaire was, in 2016, accused of embezzling ECG funds for his lavish lifestyle.
More recently, he was the subject of an inquest conducted by the Hawks.
Bushiri is expected to appear in court on allegations of money laundering , with his trial taking place in June.
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