Ex-congregants say rape-accused pastor Zondo is a ‘cult leader’
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As rape-accused church leader, Stephen Zondo, prepares to return to the Pretoria High Court today, ex-congregants have described him as a cult leader who brainwashed worshippers.
The Rivers of Living Water Church leader is accused of sexually assaulting several women who were his staff and church members.
Zondo faces 10 counts of rape for allegedly preying on them under the pretense of private prayer sessions.
The earliest charge dates back to 1980 when Zondo, then 15, allegedly raped a 7-year-old girl.
In startling evidence, victims have detailed how male church ushers would assist the archbishop in his crimes, allegedly dragging the unwilling women to his chambers.
After raping the women, it’s alleged Zondo would leave them harassing phone calls, asking why they were no longer attending church.
One anonymous congregant, who left after five years, has opened up about the alleged culture of shame and silencing that the Rivers of Living Water Church congregants experienced.
“Most of the rape victims do not want to come out. It’s difficult. These perpetrators have lots of support, considering he’s got a church boasting 20,000 members on any given Sunday,” she said.
“ So coming forward with your case requires a lot. So for people to just come and ridicule, they must think twice,” she added.
Meanwhile, Zondo’s followers insist he has been falsely accused.
This as many supporters made their way to the courtroom on Friday.
His defense lawyer, Piet Pistorius, has described the case as a ploy to publicly destroy the reputation of the prominent church leader.
“How do you destroy a man’s reputation? You accuse him of rape,” he said in court.
The case continues.
Content retrieved from: https://www.yfm.co.za/2025/03/17/ex-congregants-say-rape-accused-pastor-zondo-is-a-cult-leader/.
