…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
During a hearing at the Pretoria High Court, a member of the Rivers of Living Waters church broke down as she recounted how church leader Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo sexually violated her during a prayer session.
The victim, who has not been named for legal reasons, said she had been a member of Zondo’s church for 10 years until December 2018 when the alleged incident occurred.
According to the victim’s testimony, Zondo asked her to come to his office for a prayer session after church one day, during which he allegedly sexually violated her.
The victim stated that during the prayer session, Zondo prayed for the protection and success of her marriage.
However, he also allegedly prayed for an increase in her sexual feelings and drive.
The woman recounted that she had her hands raised and her eyes closed during the prayer, but when she opened her eyes, she felt a man’s penis in her mouth.
The victim said she was shocked and moved back on the chair she was seated on before opening her eyes to see Zondo’s penis, which he then put back in his pants.
The woman left the office immediately and did not say anything to Zondo, nor did he say anything to her, according to her testimony.
Zondo is facing ten charges, including rape, in which he is accused of sexually violating seven women, most of whom are members of his church.
The emotional testimony of the victim highlights the traumatic and damaging impact that sexual violence can have on survivors.
It also serves as a reminder of the courage and bravery required to come forward and share one’s story in a public setting.
The case against Zondo is ongoing, and it is essential that justice is served for the victims of his alleged crimes.