Limpopo pastor sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for rape

A 42-year-old Pastor, Thabiso Victor Mongatane, has been convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the rape of a 25-year-old woman at Masodi village in 2022.

The Court found that Mongatane had abused his powers and taken advantage of the victim under the guise of providing spiritual intervention.

The disturbing incident began when the victim’s mother fell ill in March 2022 and Mongatane was recommended to assist in curing her illness.

The victim drove her mother to Masodi village where Mongatane treated her.

However, on September 4, 2022, Mongatane prophesised the victim and instructed her to return after two days for assistance with her obstacles.

When the victim returned on September 7, 2022, Mongatane ordered her to undress and cover her body for steaming.

He then proceeded to rape her during the treatment session.

The victim reported the incident to the local police, leading to Mongatane’s arrest in March 2024.

After a lengthy court process, Mongatane was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment at the Mahwelereng Regional court on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating team for their meticulous work in bringing Mongatane to justice.

“We welcomed the conviction and subsequent sentencing of a 42 year old man who abused his powers and raped a vulnerable woman after making her believe that she had a condition that needed spiritual intervention by the same man who then turned against her,” said Lt Gen Hadebe