Pretoria: Spiritual Leader Arrested on Rape Charges During "Steaming Session"

An unnamed 66-year-old "spiritual leader" from Eldorado Village, Limpopo, has been arrested for the rape of a 30-year-old woman at his home in Pretoria, South Africa.

As reported by IOL, the alleged rape happened on the evening of April 12 around 9:30 p.m., according to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a spokesman for the regional police.

“According to the police report at this stage, the victim allegedly went to perform a spiritual healing at the suspect's homestead when he (spiritual leader) asked his clients if there is anyone who needed to perform a steaming ritual and she volunteered,” Ledwaba said.

“The victim went to the bedroom of the pastor's son wearing only a blanket and found the room covered with smoke. The suspect emerged and started to rape her.”

Police said that after the alleged rape, the 30-year-old lady fled the scene while still wearing the spiritual leader's jacket.

According to the police, the victim did not come forward until she had a breakdown and was diagnosed with depression.

She made a subsequent suicide attempt.

“The victim was referred to a relevant facility for mental treatment until she subsequently opened up about the rape incident. The matter was reported to the local police on Thursday 15 June 2023 and transferred to Seshego family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) for further investigations,” said Ledwaba.

He attributed the suspect's arrest on Sunday to the "swift reaction and meticulous efforts" of the Seshego police. The alleged rapist was tracked down to his home in Maleboho's Eldorado Village.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, provincial commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, praised the FCS team "for their decisiveness in apprehending the suspect." The Maleboho Periodical Court has scheduled a hearing for the accused for this coming Tuesday.