Stephen Zondo dismisses rape allegations against him as made up by children

PRETORIA - The Pretoria High Court has heard that disgraced bishop Stephen Zondo dismissed the rape allegations against him as stories made up by children.

Zondo is standing trial in the court, facing nine counts of rape and sexual assault – and one count of defeating the ends of justice for allegedly trying to bribe a victim.

One of Zondo’s alleged victims was just eight years old at the time of rape in 1980.

The courtroom was packed on Monday morning, with supporters led by church leaders in full suits and red badges from the Rivers of Living Waters Ministries seated right behind their leader - Zondo.

The State-called presenter from a local online radio station in the Vaal – Pitso Ramothubeli popularly known as Mabochobocho – who hosted a radio programme between 2011 and 2012 that exposed dodgy pastors and churches. 

One of the complainants – a former worship leader and popular recording gospel artist - accused Zondo of teaching her witchcraft on Ramothubeli’s show.

The very complaint has also been heard before the CRL Rights Commission.

The woman who is also part of a popular gospel group has accused Zondo of raping her at a hotel.

Ramothubeli said in his interview with the woman in 2012 – he highlighted her prominence and her public status because Zondo had dismissed the other allegations against him as meaningless stories from children.

He also claimed the allegations were an attempt to destroy his church.