EASTERN Cape police are searching for a Duncan Village pastor who allegedly raped the 6-year-old daughter of one of his congregants.

The pastor, who police believe is in his mid-40s, has been on the run following last Wednesday's alleged rape incident.

The child's family are members of the New Holy Zion Church, the church that the pastor presides over.

The 25-year-old mother of the victim, a domestic worker, said she had gone in search of work when the rape occurred.

She said the Grade 1 pupil had received counselling and medication from doctors at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital.

According to the child's grandmother, the young girl had skipped school that morning and had gone out to play in the neighbourhood.

"The reverend saw the child sitting on the street, and he (allegedly) grabbed her by the hand and led her into his home," the 64-year- old woman said.

A neighbour who had been doing her laundry at the informal settlement's street tap had allegedly seen the pastor disappear into his home with the young child.

"After moments without seeing the child return, our neighbour, who was washing her clothes in the street, went into the pastor's home to inquire."

The neighbour was still walking towards the pastor's house when she allegedly spotted the little girl coming out of the his (pastor's) yard crying.

Her gran said: "I was preparing food for her when a group of residents came with my grandchild to tell me that the reverend had raped her."

Community members searched for the preacher, but he had already fled.

"We did not want to beat him up or anything. We respect him and we just wanted him to explain himself," said the elderly women.

The family said although they were disappointed by the reverend pastor, they would not stop going to his church.

"We have to keep on praying, we cannot live without God's blessings," said the grandmother.

Major Ernest Sigobe said a case of rape was opened on Wednesday.

The docket was transferred to the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit in East London.

"Police have since launched a manhunt against the reverend because he is evading the law," Sigobe said.

Sigobe said police expected to make an arrest soon as the suspect was known to them and the community members.

Church services were not held yesterday.

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Tue Jun 18 23:38:36 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 1, 2012

Mdeeva

Ag sies man a lust for a grade 1 pupil, this priest must have been in serious KORS (letswai), and he call himself a priest SATANE, I hope they find him a bring him to task.
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

zico123

i suspect that priest does'nt have wife, you cannot such thing more especially with 6-year old child.

DID HE THINK HE WILL ENJOY, YOU SHOULD HAVE GONE 2 PROSTITUTES AND BUY
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

Papage

Where was his wife? is he married? the Church must find him a wife.
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

MGEEZ

Reverend??? Really? Well he certainly does not read his bible!!! Which makes me ask again; what manner of a reverend is he? Or perhaps an appropriate question would be who called him???

Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

DrunkenMaster

Sex should be two way street, It cant be a Man vs a child but man vs a woman.
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

Ayobas

Eish, speeechless, mara why pastor o di ra jaana?
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

sabza007

Horny lying,immoral bastard. He could have ''took with permission'' the church's collection and went to city streets at night to satisfy himself or simply ... Masturbate. I feel no pity for this hyena. I hate women and children abusers,rapists, murderers (unless in self defense) with passion.
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

Papage

If only she went to school that day, it is important to make sure our kids go to school if not sick and if sick, they must be taken to the local clinic
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

Papage

I dont understant some men, you get arroused by a 6 year old standing at the street? Maybe this guy is HIV positive and beleave that you sex a little girl, you get healed, or did he get a prophecy to do it with the 6 year old?
Report Abuse

Oct 1, 2012

skwamasamabele

I always said: ban all religion, because ALL priests and pastors are criminals, whose purpose is to take money from the poor, plunder everything people work for and give people an illusion of 'God'. Religion is the opium of the oppressed
Report Abuse

Read all 33 comments