Khayelitsha pastor accused of rape has case to answer, says state
The state said it has completed its investigation on rape allegations against Khayelitsha pastor Dumisani Mathibela, and the pastor has a case to answer.
Magistrate Gary Haremse said that Mathibela’s trial will be moved to the Regional Court based in Khayelitsha when it resumes on 4 February 2015.
Mathibela faces six counts of rape after two women members of his congregation laid charges. One said Mathibela first raped her in August 2012 after he had assisted her with accommodation. She said she fell pregnant and was forced by Mathibela to give the child up for adoption.
Both women said they had been afraid to speak out because Mathibela had threatened them with consequences if they reported him.
Mathibela denied the charges, claiming he had relationships with the women.
Magistrate Haremse reminded the accused of the seriousness of the charges that he is facing and the consequences should he fail to adhere to bail conditions. Bail was set at R5,000.
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