On Sunday, 26 January 2025, residents and activists visited St. Angels Church in Endlovini, C-Section, Khayelitsha, to confront a pastor accused of raping and impregnating young girls in the congregation.
It is alleged that the pastor’s actions have left several girls traumatised, with three victims already coming forward and others reportedly having children as a result of the abuse. The pastor, who has also been accused of infecting the girls with HIV, was recently arrested for allegedly stabbing one of the victims. 
When the group arrived at the church, no service was taking place since the pastor was in police custody. Bishop Templeton Mbekwa, Chairperson of the Religious and Traditional Leaders Council, expressed outrage over the alleged abuse. “As leaders, we cannot stay silent when women are mistreated in places of worship. Some victims have children to prove the allegations. We are here to support them,” he said.
During the gathering, tempers flared, and the three victims present had to be escorted away for their safety. Some church members and local residents defended the pastor, claiming he was innocent. One resident argued, “These girls are lying. One of them even went with the pastor to his rural home in December and was celebrated as a bride. What is the issue now? The pastor is not guilty.”
The meeting ended in chaos as residents who wanted to defend the pastor were not allowed to speak.
Ward councillor Lonwabo Mqina urged the community to let the court handle the matter. “The court will decide whether the pastor is guilty or not. It is wrong to dismiss the victims’ claims, as it discourages others from speaking out. I encourage everyone to attend the court proceedings on Monday, 27 January 2025,” Mqina said.