ANC in Gauteng in process of removing membership of pastor accused of raping girl

The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has confirmed it is in the process of removing the man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl from its membership. 

The 56-year-old pastor is found to be an active member of the party from Dobsonville, Soweto. 

He is accused of raping the girl over the Easter weekend.

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A video of the two was widely circulated on social media, showing the girl bleeding after the alleged ordeal. 

He appeared on Tuesday at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court for a bail application, which was postponed to 22 April.

Various political parties were present outside the court, demanding justice for the victim.

ANC Women’s League member Faith Mazibuko has confirmed that the accused is a member of the party. She added that he has brought disgrace to the organisation.

“We say, 'not in our name', and it is not the organisation that sends people to perform all these atrocities. We wish to call upon all our men and women to rally around and make sure we protect the child.”

Groups of people, including learners of the Forte High School, remain at the court singing and marching.