Limpopo pastor arrested for rape and 'concealment of death'
Police in Seshego in Limpopo have arrested a 57-year-old
pastor on a range of charges that include rape, fraud, assault GBH, concealment
of death, kidnapping, extortion and theft.
The Limpopo pastor was arrested on Monday along with five members of his church, aged between 24 and 59.
Police Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says it's alleged the pastor and his accomplices assaulted congregants during church services when they failed to make make the necessary offerings.
"It is further alleged that other congregants had to surrender their houses and cars to the church and were then told to stay within the church premises," adds Mojapelo.
The pastor is also accused of extortion of cash worth millions from pensioners who had just retired.
"The said Pastor is also suspected of having raped girls as young as 14. More than forty (40) cases of rape and assault are being investigated," says Mojapelo.
He adds police are also investigating the allegations that the deaths of certain congregants might have been concealed.
These charges have been brought while the pastor is out on bail.
He is expected to return to the Mankweng Magistrates' Court on Friday on two other counts of rape that were allegedly committed in Polokwane during 2012.
"The victims were 14 and 16 at the time. He was out on R2000.00 bail when he was arrested for the latest crimes."
The pastor and his five accused are expected to appear in Seshego magistrate court Tuesday.
Police investigations are continuing.
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