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DISGRACED: Pastor James Thubakgale of the Deliverance Church of Christ walks out of police holding cells after his release for allegedly raping a minor. But his freedom was shortlived as he was rearrested on Tuesday. PHOTO: ELIJAR MUSHIANA

Pastor Madidimalo James Thubakgale was arrested on Tuesday after another woman had laid a rape charge against him.

Thubakgale, 50, of the Deliverance Church of Christ in Seshego township near Polokwane, was arrested on New Year's Eve for the alleged rape of the minor. He was granted bail of R2000 after a recommendation by the investigating officer.

Thubakgale allegedly raped the victim several times between August and September last year, but the case against him was only opened in December.

Provincial police spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed that Thubakgale had been rearrested after parents of an 18-year-old girl, whom he allegedly raped, also opened a case against him.

"I can confirm that we have rearrested the suspect, who had earlier been who was released on bail for the rape of a 14-year-old girl," Mulaudzi said.

He said this was after the parents, who live in Flora Park, Polokwane, had opened a case against the pastor for raping their daughter.

"The parents came forward to report that their daughter was raped by the same pastor between 2009 and 2010. Subsequent to that we rearrested the suspect," he said.

Mulaudzi said they would take action against the police officer who recommended bail for Thubakgale, saying their member had defied instructions.

"Provincial police commissioner Simon Mpembe has issued a stern instruction that investigating officers in all serious cases, including rape, must oppose bail," he said.

However, in this instance that instruction was not followed," he said.

Mulaudzi said they hoped taking action against their member for disobeying instructions would serve as a warning to all members that "instructions must be followed".

"Our job is to protect the victims," he added.

Thubakgale is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court "soon" for the rape of the 18-year-old alleged victim.

The case of the 14-year-old girl was postponed to February 17.

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Thu May 23 17:38:17 SAST 2013 ::

Jan 5, 2012

moisa

man of God. never contracadict your spiritual calling, the results will be just like that
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Jan 5, 2012

Kwankwetla

The so called "Abazalwane"
Hypocrites!!!
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Jan 5, 2012

Vhamsanda

That tea again !!!
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Jan 5, 2012

Gold

Limpopo needs deliverance!
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Jan 5, 2012

size5

Whats wrong with Limpopo??
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Jan 5, 2012

Gold

guys, dont speak in ignorance! there are many such rumours about catholic priest and boys...eish! ignorance is not bliss people! it is fatal!

In some instances, victims don't report cases, and that does not mean the incident never occured.

"The parents came forward to report that their daughter was raped by the same pastor between 2009 and 2010...."

Really now!
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Jan 5, 2012

Lethabo44

These people honor me with theri lips ,but their hearts are far from me.They worshiop me in vain;their teachings are but rules taught by men.Matthew15:8-20
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Jan 5, 2012

Mosotho

Letswai halebapale bathong. Even if you can masturbate you will not win.
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Jan 5, 2012

Fefi

When Joseph was arrested, it was quit clear that he tried to rape Pharoh's woman but after serving his time he bacome prime miniter. So the devel will alway distroy people but not the mission of God. its easy for people to accuse you on any criminal activity and you find that nothing is there to prove your innocence. let the will of God prevail and save those who serve him.
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Jan 5, 2012

LaVidaLoca

I said "
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