Controversial Sibasa-based cleric Phathutshedzo Sikhubu, better known as Prophet Innocent Muritho or "Ritha", has once again found himself on the wrong side of the law.
He was arrested at the weekend in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.
Sikhubu, who is the founder of the popular Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry in Sibasa, handed himself over to police at the Thohoyandou Police Station on Sunday, 19 July, after officers had gone looking for him at his church.
He was accompanied by his legal representative, Adv Khuluso Negota. After being formally charged, he was detained.
The self-styled prophet made a brief first appearance in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on Monday, 21 July, where he was charged with statutory rape. The matter was postponed to 30 July for profiling and a possible bail application.
Dozens of his supporters gathered both inside and outside the court to show their support.
According to police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi, the alleged incident took place on 9 July at the church's offices.
"It is alleged that the well-known prophet phoned the 14-year-old girl and summoned her to the church. Upon her arrival, she was instructed to lock the door. It is further alleged that the prophet undressed himself and ordered the girl to do the same, after which he raped her twice. She was then told to clean herself and go home," Dathi said.
The incident reportedly came to light on 19 July when the girl became visibly distressed. Upon being questioned by her family, she disclosed the alleged sexual assault. The matter was subsequently reported to the police.
This is not the first time Sikhubu has faced serious allegations. He has a pending rape case in Cape Town and another involving a 20-year-old woman, said to have occurred at his home in Tswinga in 2024 during a braai.
Sikhubu has frequently made headlines. In 2021, he came under fire after posting a series of compromising videos on social media in which he appeared to be intoxicated and boasted about his sexual experiences. The footage was widely condemned by members of his church and the broader community. Under mounting pressure, he issued a public apology.
In July 2023, the prophet again attracted attention when he hosted a lavish birthday party for his dog, Jackie, at his church premises. A cow was slaughtered for the guests who filled the church grounds.
Reactions to his arrest have been mixed. Dr Alunamutwe Randitsheni of the Vhembe Pastors Forum expressed sympathy for the alleged victim and her family, calling the allegations deeply concerning.
"Pastors are supposed to be the light in our communities. This paints a bad name on the church, and we want to make it clear that this is not in our organisation's name," he said.