Controversial Sibasa pastor Phathutshedzo Sikhubu, also known as Prophet Innocent Muritho, returned to prison after the Thohoyandou High Court at the Waterval Magistrate's Court dismissed his bail appeal in a rape case.
Muritho, 40, of the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry in Sibasa, was arrested in July for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl at his church. The victim disclosed the incident, which allegedly occurred on 9 July in his church office, to her family.
He appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court and was denied bail on 21 August. Muritho later lodged an appeal, claiming the magistrate had erred. His appeal was heard on 5 December at the Thohoyandou High Court.
Judge Thogomelani Tshidada turned down the appeal, saying Muritho had not shown exceptional circumstances that would warrant his release on bail. He remains in custody.
The decision was welcomed by the community and local organisations.
Ms Thelma Marole of the Vhembe Combined Group and senior Democratic Alliance official said, "We welcome this decision. He should remain in custody until the finalisation of the case. It should be remembered that he is not only facing this case but has two other pending cases of the same nature. The worst part is that one key witness in another rape case has been shot dead."
Muritho is no stranger to controversy. Besides the alleged rape of the 14-year-old, he faces two other accusations. One case allegedly occurred on 10 April 2024, when a 20-year-old woman was raped at his Tswinga home during a braai. The other took place in Cape Town, where he allegedly raped 26-year-old Ms Innocentia Ndinainwi Mabuke.
Ms Mabuke was shot execution-style at close range while boarding a taxi home from an all-night prayer at the House of Cana Ministries, a church led by Prophet Rolindela, a close confidante of Muritho.
A suspect, Andani Madzhie, who lives with Muritho in Tswinga, was arrested in connection with the murder and has appeared in court.