Police Pastors Forum reacts to sentencing of local pastor
It is reported that Lucky Magagula was not the founder of Itshe Legumbi Church based in Barcelona
Members of the Police Pastors Forum (PPF) have expressed shock following the conviction of the 36-year-old pastor Lucky Magagula who received two life terms and 25 years’ imprisonment for raping minors in Etwatwa.
Condemning the violence perpetrated against women and children, the local forum has called for strict regulations to be enforced in churches.
It was revealed during a meeting with the City Times that Magagula was not the founder of Itshe Legumbi Church based in Barcelona nor an ordained pastor.
According to Pastor Nhlanhla Twala, Magagula was serving under a local pastor.
“It is unfortunate that many people in our communities are called pastors whereas they haven’t been formally ordained as pastors,” said Twala.
Another pastor, Paulos Phangela, said this incident has not only embarrassed the religious fraternity but God.
“It is a concern that due to the incident all pastors have been painted with the same brush. Though we are still coming to terms with what happened, we are happy that the law played its role to show that even as pastors we are not above the law,” said Phangela.
Phangela urged local pastors in Etwatwa to come together to strengthen one another with counselling and prayers.
Also Read: Pastor given two life terms for raping minors at his church
The forum’s chairperson, Pascaline Fenyane, said they will reach out to the affected families to show support and spiritual guidance to the victims.
“Police Pastors Forum works hand in hand with the police by offering them and their families counselling, motivation and prayer. We meet every Monday morning at the Etwatwa police station and also do community projects where we assist where help is needed,” she said.
Founder of Itshe Legumbi speaks out
Apostle Letta Diutlwileng told the City Times that Magagula was not an ordained pastor but was in the process to be ordained as one. She disputed claims that the victims were part of the Itshe Legumbi Church.
“I was surprised when it was written in the newspapers that the victims were from my church because they were not. They were not attending choir practise at my house because that’s where the church is situated,” said Diutlwileng.
She said she met Magagula in 2008 after God revealed him to her.
“When I enquired about his background he mentioned that he was from KwaZulu Natal and was an orphan who was looking after his two siblings.”
Diutlwileng said around 2010 she opened the ministry and Magagula who she called ‘Vee’ was one of her members.
“To find out more about his background, I spoke to his pastor and other elders in his church in Kwa-Zulu Natal. I received positive response when I started engaging with Magagula.”
Diutlwileng said Magagula was like her son as she described him as God fearing and humble person.
“When we found out that he was accused of sexual assault we were shocked because he was not that kind of person. On the day he was assaulted by the community before he was taken to the police station, my family and I were harassed by angry community members who claimed that we were harbouring a criminal.
“My reputation was tarnished that day when they came to my house and caused conflict.”
Diutlwileng said her eldest daughter is dealing with the trauma she suffered at the hands of police officers who charged her for defeating the ends of justice when they alleged that she took Magagula’s phone.
Magagula’s youngest brother Nkosinathi Shandu said as a family they have been threatened and harassed by community members following the incident.
The psychological impact of rape
Benoni Child Welfare social worker Thando Nkomo said the effects of rape can include both the initial physical as well as deep psychological trauma.
“Victims usually experience both short and long-term psychological effects and one of the most common psychological consequences of rape is self-blame. The victim or child uses self-blame as an avoidance-based coping tool which is very dangerous as it slows the healing process.
“Depression, stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, social problems, drug use and behavioural problems are one of the main psychological effects of rape in children.”
Nkomo said victims are not the same and they respond to the traumatic experiences differently.
She said some children may experience eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, anger and feelings of personal powerlessness where victims feel that the rapist or perpetrator has robbed them of control over their bodies.
“Signs of sexual abuse are not always clear, however, there are various signs that may indicate a child is experiencing abuse. Some signs are physical, some are behavioural and some are emotional.
“Some of the physical signs are pain or itching in the genital area. Others are bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, venereal disease, nightmares or other sleep disturbances or frequent stomach illness with no identifiable reason and loss of appetite, or trouble eating or swallowing.”
Nkomo added that behavioural signs can be an increase in physical complaints with bedtime or fear of going to sleep, fear of certain people or places (such as not wanting to be left alone with a babysitter), regression to infantile behaviours such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting abnormal interest in sex or knowledge of sexual matters inappropriate for the child’s age.
“Look out for preoccupation with their body or masturbation, bedwetting, sexual activities with toys or other children, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children/siblings to behave sexually.
“Emotional signs can be lack of confidence, sudden mood swings, rage, fear, anger or withdrawal, unexplained fear or dislike of certain people or places depression or withdrawal.”
Nkomo urged parents to support their children by maintaining a non-judgmental attitude.
“It’s important that victims receive comprehensive care that addresses both the short and long-term effects of rape as they become apparent. Extensive play therapy with a professional helps the victim with better coping mechanisms and it further helps children to express themselves and also help them to develop a sense of understanding and empowerment,” Nkomo said.
To report any cases of child abuse contact Benoni Child Welfare on 011 849 5241.
Also Read: Family of minor abused by pastor welcome sentence
