MK Party not confirming if rape-accused pastor Zondo is on its candidate list
Zondo, who is the leader of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, is facing trial in Pretoria, for allegedly raping several women.
Former President Jacob Zuma addresses members of the media under the banner of new party uMkhontho We Sizwe on 16 December 2023. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Newly-formed Umkhonto We Sizwe Party said that it is concerned about the leaked list of its party candidates, ahead of national elections , adding that it will be taking the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to task over the matter.
Party Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela responded to reports that alleged rapist and controversial televangelist Bishop Bafana Zondo made the list, saying that he can neither confirm nor deny the claims.
Ndlela said that the party is aware that Parliament prohibits anyone with a criminal record from partaking in parliamentary activities.
Zondo, who is the leader of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries, is facing trial in Pretoria, for allegedly raping several women between 1980 and 2016, many of who were church congregants.
His name on the leaked list, appears a month after former president Jacob Zuma visited Zondo’s church.
Party lists were submitted to the IEC on Friday and should the MK Party get enough votes to occupy seats in Parliament, Zondo could hold office.
The controversial pastor, faces 10 counts of rape by seven women.
It is alleged that he lured his victims into his office under the guise of praying for them, only to sexually assault or rape them.
The MK party claims that the widely publicised candidate list was leaked and the party will lodge a formal complaint against the IEC.