A self-proclaimed prophet from Hamutsha, who had allegedly raped two girls under the pretence that he was exorcising demons, is on the run.
It is alleged that the incidents happened at the 29-year-old man's house on 15 and 17 September. He is described as a charismatic "prophet" in the local community.
The two girls, both aged 17, apparently visited his house after he had delivered a sermon at a church at Lwamondo Tshifulanani. It is said that during his sermon, he had proclaimed that the two girls were possessed by demons. He invited them to his home for one-on-one sessions. Once there, he allegedly raped them.
The spokesperson for the SAPS in Vhembe, W/O Vuledzani Dathi, said that two rape cases had been opened and that the police were currently searching for the suspect.
Dathi said that the first incident happened on Monday, 15 September. The so-called pastor is alleged to have told the 17-year-old girl that he could help her get rid of her "demons". The girl visited him at his home on Monday at around 08:30, where he invited her into his room and allegedly raped her.
"On Wednesday, 17 September at around 11:00, he again [allegedly] raped a 17-year-old victim at his place," Dathi said. He added that the suspect was known in the community.
"We have since launched a manhunt for him. We appeal to Humbulani Mudau of Hamutsha Tshiluvhi village to hand himself over as we believe he can assist us in these incidents. Those with relevant information can contact the investigating officer, Sgt Elijah Mabasa, at (082) 351-5219," he said.
The incident raised once again the issue of "men of the cloth" being linked to rape cases, with many minors as the victims. Among the prominent cases of rape involving prophets is that of controversial Sibasa prophet Innocent Muritho, better known as Ritha. The founder of the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry in Sibasa stands accused of three cases of rape. One was allegedly committed in Cape Town and two in Vhembe.