The Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo yesterday sentenced prophet Confidence Monyela (40) to two life sentences after he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

According to Letaba Herald, Monyela, who faced five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, was sentenced:

• Life (count one and two, respectively)
• 10 years’ imprisonment each (counts three, four and five)
• Five years’ imprisonment (count six: Sexual assault)

The court ruled that counts 3 to 6 will run concurrently.

In 2017, four girls based in Mariveni village near Letsitele, accused Monyela of inviting them all individually for prayer before raping them.

The girls, who were all members of his church and aged 13 to 16 at the time, were reportedly instructed not to disclose the sexual acts, as they were portrayed as the ‘transferring of the Holy Spirit’, with threats of death if they spoke out.

The case divided the Mariveni community, with some labelling it as fiction, while others demanded justice for the victims.

As a result, some of the victims were forced to drop out of school in Grade 7 and Grade 11 due to the stigma and bullying they received from being associated with the case.

Prophet paid for abortion

Magistrate Carol Hon’wana stated that the court held evidence proving Monyela paid for an abortion for one of the girls he impregnated.

Hon’wana further noted that the ‘man of God’ took advantage of the children’s vulnerability, especially their trust in him as a spiritual father.

“The fact that you pleaded not guilty on all counts shows no remorse and a lack of empathy,” the magistrate said.

She added that the sentencing serves as a message to society that rape cannot be tolerated and offenders must be removed.

She concluded by informing the convicted prophet of his right to appeal the sentencing at the High Court if he is dissatisfied.

Monyela was surrounded by family and relatives who came to show support at the court.

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