Man of God arrested over sexual assault of church member's daughter
A South African clergyman is at the center of a harrowing scandal after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl on multiple occasions.
Bishop Meshack Molefi Phofedi, 34, who leads the New Babillon Apostolic Church in Evaton West, was taken into custody earlier this month following allegations that he raped the 14-year-old daughter of a parishioner.
The disturbing details emerged from court documents and statements by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The first incident reportedly took place on August 16, 2024, during a trip back from a religious gathering in Clearence, Free State. While the family stopped at a gas station, the pastor allegedly followed the young girl into the restroom and assaulted her, all while her parents remained in the vehicle, oblivious to the crime.
In a further act of manipulation, the pastor is said to have convinced the family to bring the girl to the church under the guise of offering spiritual guidance.
It was during these visits that the abuse allegedly continued. The mother eventually grew suspicious and confronted the pastor, leading her to file a police report.
Phofedi was arrested on March 2, 2025, and made his initial court appearance the next day. The case has been adjourned to March 13, 2025, for a bail hearing, which prosecutors are vehemently opposing.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
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