Rape regrettable: Church
2013-03-10 17:40
Johannesburg - The rape of a woman on the Zion Christian Church's premises in Polokwane was regrettable, the church said on Sunday.
"The church leadership regrets the alleged rape incidents on the premises and will fully co-operate with authorities in their investigation," spokesperson Ephraim Mafetsa said in a statement.
A woman, 27, alleged that a prophet, 35, put a knife to her throat and raped her last weekend during an all-night prayer session on church premises in Moria, Polokwane.
The man appeared in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The case was postponed to 14 March.
Mafetsa said the suspect was not a prophet, but an ordinary member.
Another rape happened in June last year, also on the premises. The matter was still before a court, Mafetsa said.
The church was "saddened" by the bad publicity the crimes had caused.
"We encourage members and visitors to the church not to hesitate to report such incidents so that the law can take its course."
Mafetsa denied that Ronnie Malahlela, quoted in The Star newspaper's report on the case on 5 March, was authorised to speak for the church.
"If he exists, then he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the church."
- SAPA
