Controversial Sibasa-based preacher Phathutshedzo Sikhubu, popularly known as Prophet Innocent Muritho, is set to stand trial in the Polokwane High Court after his criminal cases were centralised.
Sikhubu, the founder and self-styled leader of the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry in Sibasa, appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 24 June, where his cases were consolidated. His trial is scheduled to run from 23 November to 4 December 2026. He faces five counts of rape, one count of kidnapping and one count of defeating the ends of justice.
The allegations against Sikhubu span multiple incidents.
One of the cases relates to an alleged incident at his home in Tswinga on 10 April 2024. It is alleged that during a social braai, a 20-year-old female guest asked to use the bathroom. Sikhubu allegedly escorted her to a bathroom situated inside the main bedroom, where he allegedly locked the door and raped her. The incident was reported to police the following day, leading to his arrest on 12 April 2024. He was initially granted bail of R1,000.
Another charge stems from an alleged incident at his church, the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry premises in Sibasa, in July 2025, where Sikhubu allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl after luring her to his church. The incident happened last year while the prophet was out on bail in another rape case. Sikhubu allegedly summoned a female congregant to his church office, where he allegedly sexually assaulted and raped her before threatening her not to disclose the incident.
The matter was reported to police, leading to his arrest by the Thohoyandou Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. He was subsequently denied bail and has remained in custody.
Sikhubu has also been linked to a separate rape case in the Western Cape. The matter attracted widespread attention after a key State witness, primary school teacher Ndinainwi Mabuke, was shot and killed at Thengwe in October 2025, days before she was due to testify in the Cape Town Regional Court.
Limpopo NPA spokesperson Ms Mashudu Dzhangi indicated they have not linked her murder to the prophet, but that two suspects have been arrested in connection with her murder.
Muritho’s trial is expected to commence before the Polokwane High Court in November.