The storm is far from over for Archbishop Bafana Stephen Zondo of the Rivers of The Living Ministries as two more rape cases are now being investigated by the South African Police Services. The big blow for Zondo comes after a senior employee at his church and a prayer warrior, whom Zimoja cannot mention  because she is a victim of sexual assault, allegedly filed a rape case in June against the pastor. Over and above this, another member of the church reported him to the police in the same month apparently, but her identity is protected for the ongoing investigation. SAPS Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed to Zimoja that the cops were investigating the two rape cases that were filed in June this year but could not divulge much that, "We currently have seven cases already on trial and these two recent cases which are still under investigation," he says.

OTHER CASES DROPPED

The 55-year-old head of the church is facing 10 charges which include rape, indecent assault, as well as defeating the ends of justice. According to a reliable source the victims have been warned not to speak, especially to the media, as this might jeopardise the ongoing investigation. The source says there are fears that one of the victims might change her mind and drop the case because her husband allegedly still works in the church. The source further alleges that there could have been more cases against the bishop but one the charges was dropped by a female member of the church after she was alleged coerced by her husband, a senior member of the church, to drop the charges in 2019.

NO STRANGER TO CONTROVERSY 

Most of the unholy revelations against Zondo emerged when he was asked to appear before the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Commission) ,which was chaired by Professor David Luko Musoma. The commission was formed to look at how the churches were operating in South Africa. It is alleged that one of the victims of Zondo was allegedly repeatedly raped and is a family member. It is alleged that Zondo raped the woman in  the 80s while she was 8 or 9 years old, while other victims who were alleged sexually assaulted by him are members of his congregation.

PLEADING NOT GUILTY

Before the start of his long awaited trial Zondo pleaded not guilty to all the 10 charges he is facing, including rape. Zondo's lawyer Jeff Rahlagane of J Rahlagane Attorneys confirmed that there was a case that was being investigated by the cops but it was a January matter.                                                                                          "The cops approached us seeking our statements with regards to a rape case they were investigating but they never came back to us. This is news to me, I'm not aware of the June matter. Please allow me to send you a statement with the detailed information. Once I have spoken to my client, i will be able to send you a full statement,' Rahlagane said. Zondo's trial will resume in the Pretoria High Court in November.