Nquthu Pastor Gets 10 Life Sentences for Horrific Child Abuse, A Community Betrayed

In a case that has shaken the small rural community of Nquthu, a 59-year-old pastor has been handed 10 life sentences for the rape of 12 children, some as young as six. The man, who also worked as an appliance repairman, exploited his position of trust to lure victims, both boys and girls, into unspeakable abuse between 2020 and 2022.

The Nquthu Regional Court didn’t hold back, slamming him with an additional 70 years for sexual assault and exposing children to pornography. But no sentence can undo the trauma inflicted on these children or the betrayal felt by their families.

A Wolf in Shepherd’s Clothing

The accused wasn’t just any community member, he was a church pastor, a man parents trusted to guide their children spiritually. Instead, he used his status to manipulate them.

Parents allowed their kids to help him with odd jobs, even sleep over at his home, believing they were safe. But behind closed doors, he showed them pornography before assaulting them, sometimes in front of other children. He threatened to kill them and their families if they spoke out, leaving many terrified into silence.

How the Truth Came Out

The nightmare only unraveled when a guardian overheard two siblings whispering about the pornographic films the pastor had shown them. When questioned, the children broke down, revealing the abuse and that others were suffering too.

Police quickly tracked down more victims, leading to the pastor’s arrest. In court, 22 witnesses, including doctors and traumatized parents, painted a damning picture.

One child testified: “I hoped the court would send him away forever. I lived in fear he’d kill me.” Another recalled being raped while a friend watched helplessly, realizing then that his friend was also a victim.

A Community’s Anguish

Parents spoke of their devastation, not just at the crimes, but at their own helplessness. “We trusted him as a man of God,” one said. “But he was doing evil in God’s name.”

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentencing, with KZN Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Elaine Harrison stating: “This sends a clear message, no one is above justice, no matter how trusted.”

Justice Served, But Healing Remains

While the pastor will never walk free, the scars on these children and the community, run deep. The case has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for stricter oversight of religious leaders.

For now, Nquthu is left grappling with a painful truth: sometimes, the greatest monsters hide behind the most trusted faces.

Why This Matters:

• Rural areas often lack resources to swiftly tackle such crimes, making this prosecution significant.

• Religious leaders hold immense influence in SA communities; this case raises hard questions about blind trust.

• Child abuse thrives in silence, breaking that silence, as these kids did, is crucial.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com