Update

GEORGE NEWS - Xolani Somathambo, secretary of the Charismatic and Pentecostal Fraternity Ministries in Thembalethu, says religious leaders are shocked and disappointed following the arrest of a local pastor on a charge of rape.

A pastor (33) of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) was arrested on Friday 3 January. It is alleged that the pastor raped a 24-year-old woman inside his church in the early hours of 28 December after he invited her to a private late-evening prayer session the previous evening.

Somathambo said in accordance with scripture and their confession of faith they are totally against sexual abuse and don't support anyone who is accused of such crimes. 

"We condemn it in the strongest possible terms," said Somathambo. "That is why we support the family and all those who are affected by this incident. As people of faith we cannot let such incidents happen in our churches."

He urged all religious leaders to stand up and say no to the abuse of women in churches and for victims to report those leaders who sexually abuse women.

The pastor made his second court appearance on Monday 13 February in the George Magistrate's Court. The court heard that the state is looking at adding another charge of intimidation. 

The matter was postponed to Friday 14 February for further investigation.