NPA drops rape charge against former ‘Seven Angels’ cult leader

Charges of rape and sexual exploitation against Banele Mancoba, one of the leaders of the now defunct Angels Ministry Church in Ngcobo, have been dropped.

Mancoba, 30, appeared in the Mthatha high court on Wednesday.

However, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) declined to prosecute.

“The DPP did not give any reasons but has declined to prosecute,” National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed on Thursday.

Banele was arrested earlier this year with one of his younger siblings, Ephraim, 22, and another 10 people.

They were charged with conspiracy to rob and robbery of a fuel depot in Ngcobo last year.

Banele was also later charged with sexual exploitation and rape following claims that he had “married” a 15-year-old.

There is a two-year-old child from the union.