A 42-year-old Reverend Limpopo was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a 25-year-old woman at R@ping to provide her mental recovery. The Mahwelereng District Court sentenced the verdict to convict Thabiso Victor Mongatane at 2022 R@PE held in Masodi village.
According to Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesella Ledewaba, Mondatan used his trust position and manipulated the woman, thinking she was suffering from a condition that needed mental intervention. “A 42-year-old man abused his power and in a vulnerable woman because she believed her condition needed mental intervention,” Ledewaba said.
The incident dates back to March 2022, when the victim’s mother fell ill and Mongatani was recommended to assist her in her recovery. The victim took his mother to the house of Mondatan, where he gave the so-called spiritual treatment.
Months later, on September 4, Mongatane prophesied the young woman and directed her to return two days later to further intervention related to what was called “obstacles” in her life. On September 7, the woman complied and returned to the house in Mondatan.
Ledwaba explained that Mongatane instructed the woman to undress and cover herself up as part of the ceremony. After leaving her briefly, he returned and told her not to wear clothes while continuing the treatment. It was at this meeting that Mondatan raped her.
The victim later opened an AR@PE case at her local police station. The case was taken over by the Department of Domestic Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Crime, and Sergeant Lesetja Langa led the investigation. Mongatane was arrested on March 28, 2024 and was initially convicted on R1,000 bail and sentenced to 15 years direct jail.
Lieutenant Thembi Hadebe, the Lieutenant of Limpopo Police Commissioner, praised the thorough work of the investigation team and welcomed the conviction, called it a victory for justice, and provided information to others who leveraged their trust position.
