KEY POINTS
- The court dismissed Zondo’s plea for release so his standing trial continues.
- Zondo denies all accusations by contending that the victims made false statements.
- A forensic psychologist revealed to the court why abuse victims delay their disclosures.
The discharge application for Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo who leads Rivers of Living Waters Church was rejected so he must return to court on Wednesday.
Bishop Zondo’s Fate Uncertain as the court needs to evaluate whether Zondo will defend himself or object to the judge’s judgment on the rape trial involving multiple charges.
Discharge application rejected
During the trial Zondo requested clemency from the court after conclusion of the prosecution’s evidence stating there was insufficient proof to validate the criminal accusations against him.
Zondo insisted during his application that his witnesses including his alleged victims prosecuted him without basis because they wanted his wealth. The court denied the bail application because of the sufficient testimonies presented by victims against Zondo.
Defence’s next move
Zondo must decide whether to testify for his defense or let his legal team terminate the proceedings since his application for discharge was denied. False testimony may be acceptable when Zondo chooses not to appear as a witness.
The rejection of Zondo’s discharge application led his counsel Piet Pistorius to seek the court’s reasoning for denial so that the defense can assess their move forward potentially through appeal or requesting the removal of the judge from the case.
Denial of charges
At his trial Zondo officially stated that he was not responsible for the 10 sexual offense charges. The defense argues that victims are lying either to extract money from him or to conjure damage against his church. Professor Gerard Labuschagne delivered an evaluation to the prosecution about why victims sometimes delay reporting instances of sexual abuse.
Bishop Zondo’s fate uncertain because the psychologist disclosed that among every 25 women experiencing rape only one chooses to notify the authorities. He further noted that victims avoid reporting such incidents when the offender occupies a religious position.
Allegations and delayed reporting
During late 2021 the trial proceeded while seven victims supported the prosecution. The complainant narrated her traumatic experiences from the 1980s while admitting that she stayed quiet because Zondo instilled fear in her.
The church member confirmed through his testimony that victims frequently delay reporting sexual abuse because of the status of their abusers.
