close
close
hsuses

Case of rape of 19 parishioners in Khayelitsha Church adjourned

Theo

Two men accused of sexually assaulting and raping 19 women in a Western Cape church appeared before the Khayelitsha Regional Court on Thursday.

The two alleged attackers face several charges, including three counts of rape, eight counts of sexual assault, burglary and theft with aggravated circumstances.

Horror of rape by power shedding

The suspects are alleged to have entered the Showers of Blessings Church in Taiwan, Site C, during a power outage on Easter weekend on April 9, 2023.

They are then said to have forced the victims at gunpoint to strip naked in the church and perform sexual acts on the accused in front of the congregation.

ALSO READ: Man arrested after four pit bulls kill his girlfriend

The victims, aged between 11 and 55, slept all night in the church to prepare for a service the next morning.

ALSO READ: ‘The New Kids’ gang member receives life sentence plus 87 years for massacre

According to reports, the women and children were also beaten by the two men.

“Two men entered the church and forced the women to undress and perform sexual acts while beating them,” said Action Society, a nonprofit organization supporting the victims’ case.

In addition, the congregation members were allegedly beaten with tables and chairs before their phones and an unknown amount of money were robbed.

The entire ordeal reportedly lasted about an hour and 30 minutes.

READ ALSO: “Mine is endangering our lives through explosions” – Maditlokwa residents

No bail for church rapist

The state has indicated at previous court hearings that it will work to ensure that the alleged perpetrators are not released on bail.

The Action Society attended the court hearing and campaigned for justice for the victims. In support of the victims, the group called for the couple to remain locked up until their trial.

Action Society spokesman and activist Ian Cameron said: “The postponement gives lawyers the opportunity to obtain indictments and the state the opportunity to consult witnesses.”

The case has been adjourned and the two men are scheduled to appear in court on July 8, 2024.

ALSO READ: Man hides under bed after allegedly killing his girlfriend, a teacher

Related Posts