rape trial of Bishop Zondo, Archbishop Stephen Bafana Zondo, rape accused, Rivers of Living Waters Church leader, North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, clergyman, Sello Modibedi, Murendeni group

Bishop Stephen Zondo’s rape trial is expected to continue on the morning of 20 July. Photo: @AdvoBarryRoux / Twitter

Rape trial of Bishop Stephen Zondo continues at High Court

The rape trial of Rivers of Living Waters Church leader Bishop Stephen Zondo is expected to continue on the morning of Wednesday, 20 July.

rape trial of Bishop Zondo, Archbishop Stephen Bafana Zondo, rape accused, Rivers of Living Waters Church leader, North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, clergyman, Sello Modibedi, Murendeni group

Bishop Stephen Zondo’s rape trial is expected to continue on the morning of 20 July. Photo: @AdvoBarryRoux / Twitter

The rape trial of Archbishop Stephen Bafana Zondo is expected to continue on the morning of Wednesday, 20 July.

Bishop Zondo is facing ten charges

The Rivers of Living Waters Church leader is facing ten charges – this includes defeating the ends of justice and indecent assault. The trial is expected to occur at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Court papers have revealed that Zondo repeatedly raped his relative at her home in Sebokeng. It is alleged that Zondo gave her sweets to ‘keep her quiet’. The alleged rapes occurred in 1980.

It is also alleged that the clergyman raped other women from his church under the pretext of prayers and deliverance. 

Many church members are fully supporting their ‘father’

On Monday, 18 July, the third witness in the matter gave evidence in-camera. The church remains unconvinced about the case. Sello Modibedi from the Rivers of Living Waters Church spoke about the witness’ decision to give evidence in-camera is not a setback.

ALSO READ: Doctor allegedly raped pregnant woman during c-section – report

“Some people are guided by fear, or they know what they have been saying is not true. What we don’t understand is that when she went to the CRL commission she was live on TV but today something has changed, she is requesting that she wants to give evidence in-camera.

“We are not moved by that, we agreed, we don’t have any problem, it’s not even a setback it’s a victory to us to say when you know that you are telling the truth, there’s nothing to fear if you are telling the truth,”

said Modibedi.

Modibedi further stated that they are happy that the matter has been brought to court. Adding that their ‘father’ will no longer be tried by the ‘court of public opinion’.

Zondo is facing ten charges including defeating the ends of justice and indecent assault. Photo: Marcus Johnstone / Flickr

A group against women and child abuse picketed outside the court

SABC News reports that outside the court, supporters of Zondo rallied behind him as they sang church hymns. While this was happening, a group known as Murendeni picketed against Zondo.

A man who supports the alleged victims says the group is standing for those who were raped. He explained that the group is composed of various churches that stand against the abuse of women and children.