Stephen Zondo accuses judge in his rape matter of already making a judgment in his case

JOHANNESBURG - The leader of the Rivers of Living Waters Church, Archbishop Stephen Zondo, has accused the presiding judge in his rape matter of already making a judgment against him before hearing his case.

Zondo is facing several charges for the alleged rape and sexual assault of his congregants and his staff.

One of the alleged incidents dates back to 1980 and involved a seven-year-old girl.

Zondo wants Judge Papi Mosopa to recuse himself after he dismissed his discharge application.

Bishop Stephen Zondo's decision to apply for Judge Mosopa to recuse himself was sparked by three words - credible, reliable and trustworthy.

This is how Mosopa described the evidence given by the women accusing Zondo of rape when he handed down judgment in the section 174 discharge application.

But Zondo’s attorney, Jeffrey Rahlagane, said this cannot be correct.

"That is wrong in law. You are putting the accused on the wrong footing now to say I must now come and convince you not to believe those people."

Rahlagane said they were ready to argue for Judge Mosopa's recusal so that Zondo could be tried fairly.