An expert in the rape case against controversial clergyman Bishop Bafana Zondo says a victim delayed reporting the matter because they spent time drinking alcohol in an attempt to escape from their misery.
Professor Gerard Labuschagne, a clinical psychologist and expert, stated this before the Pretoria High Court on Monday as he delivered his evidence.
“One of them started drinking alcohol to escape the misery that came after the rape, and based on the factors stated by the complainants, I believe the delay in reporting is understandable,” he said.
Labuschagne said he understood why complainants delayed reporting their sexual abuse cases.
Pre-sexual trauma
He informed the court that he interviewed all the complainants to distinguish whether they [the complainants] had pre-sexual trauma or whether it was an issue of the church.
“It was important for me to speak to them because the state and the defence would want details and an understanding of my report. There is a complainant who was allegedly called by the accused and informed them that God had chosen her for a role in the church; he was implying that he has a special relationship with God,” said Labuschagne.
He further said the accused made it a point that the complainants knew that if they spoke about their respective ordeals with him, they would be taking on a powerful person.
“He made them feel like he was the only one who was capable of solving their problems and was politically connected, and so they feared what was going to happen to them if they reported him.”
In court, it was revealed that the church that Zondo leads, Rivers of Living Waters in Everton has a building worth approximately R100 000.
Labuschagne said Zondo allegedly sexually abused one of the complainants and told her he was Bishop Zondo and no one would believe them if they came out.
Money is power
“The money indicates power—spiritually powerful, wealthy, and connected.
“The comments he would make affected the period in which the complainants took before they reported the matter.
Judge Mokhine Mosopa postponed the case to Wednesday for the state to wrap up the evidence from Labuschagne. The defence will get an opportunity cross-examine the expert.
