A 42-year-old Limpopo pastor has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for r@ping a 25-year-old woman under the guise of offering her spiritual healing. The Mahwelereng Regional Court handed down the sentence, convicting Thabiso Victor Mongatane for the 2022 r@pe that took place in Masodi village.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Mongatane exploited his position of trust and manipulated the woman into believing she was suffering from a condition that required spiritual intervention. “A 42-year-old man abused his powers and r@ped a vulnerable woman after making her believe she had a condition that needed spiritual intervention,” Ledwaba said.
The incident dates back to March 2022 when the victim’s mother became ill and Mongatane was recommended by a relative to assist with her healing. The victim brought her mother to Mongatane’s premises where he conducted what was described as spiritual treatment.
Several months later, on September 4, Mongatane prophesied over the young woman and instructed her to return two days later for further intervention related to so-called “obstacles” in her life. On September 7, the woman complied and returned to Mongatane’s premises.
Ledwaba explained that Mongatane instructed the woman to undress and cover herself for steaming as part of the ritual. After leaving her briefly, he returned and told her not to get dressed as he wished to continue the treatment. It was during this session that Mongatane raped her.
The victim later opened a r@pe case at her local police station. The case was taken over by the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, with Sergeant Lesetja Langa leading the investigation. Mongatane was arrested on March 28, 2024, and initially released on R1,000 bail before being convicted and sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigative team for their thorough work and welcomed the conviction, calling it a victory for justice and a message to others who exploit positions of trust.