The rape trial of South African Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo, the controversial leader of Rivers of Living Waters Church, has been postponed to Wednesday, March 19, to allow his defence team to obtain a judgment confirming that he has a case to answer.
Zondo faces 10 charges, including allegations of sexual assault and the rape of seven women, most of whom are members of his church.
On Friday, March 14, his bid to have some charges dismissed under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act was rejected. Delivering the ruling, Judge Mokhine Mosopa stated: “There is a need for the accused to answer to the allegations.”
While the case was initially set to resume on Monday, both the prosecution and defence met in the judge’s chambers to request a copy of the judgment. As a result, Mosopa postponed the proceedings to Wednesday to allow his secretary to provide the defence with the necessary documents.
Speaking outside the court, Zondo’s attorney, Jeffery Rahlangane, emphasized the importance of obtaining the judgment. “In case we want to appeal or if at a later stage we seek the judge’s recusal, this judgment will be important,” Rahlangane said.
The trial continues as Zondo remains under scrutiny for the serious allegations against him.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
