Rape case against pastor postponed

Getrude Makhafola

The rape case against Devine Deliverance Church leader James Thobakgale was postponed yesterday in the Mankweng Regional Court in Polokwane, Limpopo police said.

The court was expected to deliver a judgment after the 57-yearold pastor stood trial for allegedly raping two girls back in 2012.

The two victims were aged 14 and 16 at the time.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the judgment was postponed due to Thobakgale having reported ill. He was remanded in custody. In a separate case, Thobakgale is also facing charges of fraud and assault and more than 40 charges of rape. He was arrested along with five of his right-hand men at the church in Seshego on multiple charges this week.

Mojapelo said police received a barrage of complaints from some of the congregants against Thobakgale. “Members started investigating these cases that the pastor and his accomplices allegedly assaulted them [congregants] severely during church services when they failed to make tithe offerings.

“Others allegedly had to surrender their houses and cars and were told to stay within the church premises. Other allegations included extortion of hardearned millions of rand from pensioners who had just retired.

“More than 40 cases of rape and assault are being investigated. The police are also investigating the allegations that the deaths of certain congregants might have been concealed,” he added.

Others allegedly had to surrender their houses and cars and were told to stay within the church premises.

Motlafela Mojapelo Police spokesperson