Johannesburg – A pastor and grandmother were arrested and appeared in court last week after it emerged that the gogo had arranged for the pastor to marry her 15-year-old granddaughter.
The pastor is also accused of having sexual relations with the girl during the short “marriage”.
The 51-year-old pastor and a 66-year-old woman appeared in the Libode Magistrates’ Court with the pastor facing charges of statutory rape, statutory sexual assault and, abduction.
Meanwhile, the girl’s maternal grandmother faces charges of compelled rape for her role in agreeing that the minor is married to the pastor.
Luxolo Tyali Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Eastern Cape Mthatha Division said the teenager was rescued by police at the pastor’s place of residence at KwaMlomo village in the Coza area of Libode district on Tuesday, last week.
“The Grade 8 learner had allegedly been the “wife” of the pastor since leaving home on 11 June. During this period, the man is alleged to have had sexual intercourse with her on numerous occasions. Lobola negotiations had also been conducted but no payment was made,” said Tyali.
The prosecution did not oppose bail against the victim’s grandmother and she was granted R500 bail.
Her case was postponed to 19 August for further investigations, while the pastor will appear again tomorrow.
The minor is currently being kept at a place of safety.
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