KEY POINTS
- Bishop Stephen Zondo’s rape and sexual assault trial was postponed to allow his defence team to obtain a written judgment stating he has a case to answer.
- Zondo faces 10 charges, including allegations of raping and assaulting seven women, most of whom are members of his church.
- Judge Mokhine Mosopa rejected Zondo’s application to dismiss some charges, emphasizing the need for him to answer to the allegations, while his defence prepares for potential appeals or requests for recusal.
The high-profile rape and sexual assault trial of Bishop Stephen Bafana Zondo, leader of the Rivers of Living Waters Ministries in Evaton, was postponed on Monday, 17 March 2025, to allow his defence team to obtain a written judgment from the court.
The judgment, which states that Zondo has a case to answer, is critical for the defence as they consider potential appeals or requests for the judge’s recusal.
Sowetanlive reports that Zondo faces 10 charges, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault involving seven women, most of whom are members of his congregation.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the religious community and raised questions about the abuse of power within religious institutions.
On Friday, Zondo’s legal team attempted to have some of the charges dismissed under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows for a discharge if there is insufficient evidence. However, Judge Mokhine Mosopa rejected the application, stating, “There is a need for the accused to answer to the allegations.”
The case was initially postponed to Monday, but both the prosecution and defence requested additional time to obtain a copy of the judgment. Judge Mosopa agreed, postponing the trial to Wednesday to allow his secretary to provide the necessary documentation.
Speaking outside the Sebokeng Regional Court, Zondo’s attorney, Jeffery Rahlangane, emphasized the importance of 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.
Zondo: Trial Triggers Public Attention
The trial has drawn significant public attention, with many following the proceedings closely.
Previous testimonies have included harrowing accounts from victims, such as one woman who testified that Zondo allegedly prayed for her before raping her.
“I fainted when he was praying for me, only to wake up naked with my clothes scattered,” she told the court during a hearing five months ago.
Zondo has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence despite the mounting allegations.
His church, Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, has seen a decline in attendance since the accusations surfaced, with some congregants expressing disbelief and others calling for accountability.
The case has also sparked broader conversations about the handling of sexual assault cases within religious institutions.
Advocacy groups have called for stricter oversight and support systems for victims, particularly in environments where power dynamics may discourage reporting.
As the trial resumes on Wednesday, the public awaits further developments in a case that has already had profound implications for the community and the church.
