The charges against a Chatsworth church leader who was arrested in March over allegations he raped a 14-year-old girl have been provisionally withdrawn.
The matter was heard in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The 31-year-old was arrested on March 7, 2024, in a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known by the Hawks).
The accused, who was initially said to be a pastor, is believed to be a youth leader at a church in the Bayview area.
The accused was never named, as he faced a charge of rape.
Police said during the arrest, the pastor’s laptops and sex aids were seized.
More than a month after his arrest, the church leader was granted bail of R5,000 at the end of April.
Terms of his bail conditions were that he report to a local police station twice a week, relocate to a different address and to not interfere with the complainant.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in KZN, Natasha Kara said the case was provisionally withdrawn as investigations are still outstanding.
There was an outcry on social media following the church leader’s arrest, with many calling for justice.
At the time of the arrest, the MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Nonhlanhla Khoza expressed her dismay that a pastor, entrusted with the responsibility of providing spiritual guidance, could be accused of rape.
IOL News
*This story has been updated to include NPA comment.