Controversial Sibasa “man of God” Phathutshedzo Sikhubu, better known as Prophet Innocent Muritho or Ritha, again made a brief appearance in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 24 February, in connection with a rape case involving a minor.
The 40-year-old pastor — also the founder and leader of the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry (FTK Prophetic Ministry) in Sibasa — stands accused of raping a 14-year-old girl at his church. He was arrested in July 2025.
It is alleged that on 9 July 2025, Muritho called the minor to his church office, locked the door and repeatedly raped her, warning her not to speak out. The victim later disclosed the incident to her family on 19 July that year.
Muritho was arrested on 20 July 2025 and appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court, where he was remanded in custody. His case has since been postponed several times, and his attempts to secure bail have been unsuccessful. During his court appearance this week Tuesday, the matter was again postponed — this time until 17 March. He remains in custody.
Muritho’s legal troubles are not limited to this case. He faces other pending rape charges, including a 2024 case in Cape Town involving a 26-year-old woman. The alleged Cape Town rape placed the controversial pastor in the spotlight after the main witness and complainant, 26-year-old Ndinainwi Mabuke, was shot dead in October 2025.
Mabuke was on her way home after attending an all-night prayer service at House of Cana Ministries in Thengwe — a church belonging to Prophet Muritho’s friend, Prophet Rolindela. Many suspect the shooting was a hit, as Mabuke was due to testify against Muritho just days later. A 55-year-old taxi driver and a 60-year-old woman were also injured in the shooting.
Two men have been arrested in connection with Mabuke’s killing and have already appeared in court facing murder charges.