THE arrest of three pastors in connection with separate alleged sexual offences within a space of four months has cast a spotlight on the conduct of church leaders, with mother bodies strongly condemning the allegations.
The cases, which have unfolded before the Manzini Magistrate’s Court, range from allegations of sexual assault involving a minor to a more serious case in which a pastor is accused of raping and murdering four women.
The first and most high-profile case emerged in June, when Pastor Nkosingiphile Allen Zwane, affiliated with the Apostolic Faith Church International and a former member of the Community Police Forum, was arrested. Zwane is facing charges relating to the alleged rape and murder of four women as well as an additional charge of contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act No. 15 of 2018.
Investigators allege that Zwane used Facebook and promises of employment to lure some of the women to the church, where the alleged attacks took place.
In July, another pastor appeared before the Manzini Magistrate’s Court after being accused of sexually violating a 15-year-old girl. Phiwayinkhosi Ngwenya (33) of Mpolonjeni appeared before Principal Magistrate David Khumalo, facing a charge of contravening the SODV Act No. 15 of 2018. The alleged offence occurred on June 25, at or near Ngwane Park in the Manzini region.
According to the charge sheet, Ngwenya allegedly sexually violated the 15-year-old girl by kissing her twice on the mouth without her consent. He was initially remanded into custody before successfully applying for bail. The court granted him bail of E3 000, subject to conditions, including that he must not interfere with State witnesses, must not commit a similar offence while on bail and must attend all court proceedings.
The case reportedly came to light after the pastor was allegedly seen kissing the girl, a Form II pupil, while she was wearing her school uniform in a public place. Concerned neighbours allegedly witnessed the incident and alerted the girl’s father, who does not reside with her as she lives with her mother in Ngwane Park.
The father subsequently reported the matter to the police, who allegedly summoned Ngwenya for questioning before charging him.
The latest case involves a 47-year-old Zionist pastor, who appeared before Principal Magistrate Khumalo on Monday in connection with allegations involving his 19-year-old niece. The pastor, whose name is known to this publication, has been withheld to protect the identity of the complainant.
He faces a charge of contravening the SODV Act relating to an alleged sexual assault which reportedly occurred between June and August.
According to the charge sheet, the pastor allegedly sexually assaulted the 19-year-old woman, who is reportedly a Form V pupil at a school around Manzini. The case allegedly came to light after members of the family became concerned when the young woman, who was known to be pregnant, was suddenly no longer pregnant.
Family members allegedly questioned her about the pregnancy, but she reportedly did not provide an explanation. The young woman was subsequently questioned by the police and allegedly disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by her uncle.
She further allegedly told investigators that the pastor was responsible for her pregnancy and had later coerced her into terminating it.
The matter took a dramatic turn when the court was informed that the pastor was already out on bail in connection with a separate but similar case involving his biological daughter. In that matter, he is also alleged to have sexually violated and impregnated his daughter before allegedly forcing her to terminate the pregnancy.
The earlier case is reportedly still pending before the Manzini Magistrate’s Court.
Following the revelation, the Crown applied for the two matters to be consolidated, meaning the accused could face both cases when he returns to court on December 3.
The three cases have emerged within a period of just four months, prompting renewed concern over allegations of sexual misconduct involving individuals who hold positions of trust and influence within religious communities. All three matters remain before the courts, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
…Church bodies speak on growing allegations
CHURCH mother bodies have broken their silence over the growing allegations of sexual abuse involving church leaders, calling for stronger safeguarding measures, ethical leadership and greater accountability within religious institutions.
The Eswatini Conference of Churches (ECC) has condemned rape, sexual abuse, exploitation and any form of abuse allegedly perpetrated by pastors or other church leaders, stressing that churches should remain places of safety, dignity, healing and protection.
ECC Chief Executive Officer Pastor Themba Ngozo said the church had a responsibility to protect women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
“The church must be a place of safety, dignity, healing, and protection – especially for women, children, and other vulnerable persons,” Ngozo said.
He urged anyone with allegations of abuse to report them to the appropriate authorities, while calling for victims and survivors to be treated with compassion, respect and dignity.
Ngozo further called on churches to strengthen their safeguarding policies, promote ethical leadership and ensure pastoral accountability.
He said church leadership was a sacred responsibility before both God and society, reminding pastors of the biblical teaching in Mark 10:43: which says ‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant’.
According to Ngozo, churches should never shield perpetrators of sexual abuse, but should instead protect survivors, respect due process and ensure accountability where wrongdoing was established.
“We pray for truth, justice, healing for those who have suffered, and genuine accountability wherever wrongdoing is established,” he said.
Meanwhile, Council of Eswatini Churches General Secretary Vusi Kunene commended law enforcement agencies for ensuring that the law takes its course regardless of the position held by an accused.
Kunene said the police should not be selective in executing their duties, particularly when allegations of serious crimes involved church leaders.
“If unlawful acts are transpiring, the law should take its course even if they are happening within the church. The law should not be selective,” he said.
He said the council appreciated law enforcers for refusing to turn a blind eye when church leaders were implicated in alleged criminal activities.
Kunene admitted that the reported cases had left the church community “shell-shocked,” particularly because churches were traditionally regarded as sanctuaries, where people sought refuge, guidance and spiritual healing.
However, he noted that churches were open institutions that attracted people from different backgrounds and with different motives.
Using an analogy, Kunene said opening a window to allow fresh air into a house could also allow mosquitoes to enter.
He said similarly, while churches opened their doors to people seeking spiritual guidance, some individuals could enter with ulterior motives and ultimately prey on unsuspecting congregants.
Kunene expressed sympathy with the survivors of alleged abuse, as well as their families and friends.
He also reminded church leaders that congregations were not their personal possessions, but belonged to God. According to Kunene, abusing women was contrary to the principles of scripture upon which churches base their teachings and constitutions.
He further urged church elders and governing structures to conduct thorough background checks and screening before appointing pastors and other leaders.
