POLOKWANE – These are the harrowing words of one of the victims of the Westenburg Bishop who stands accused of five cases of sexual assault.
The victims spoke out in a documentary recently aired on television about their experiences. During the documentary, victims spoke of how the man would prey on girls who were new to the community, particularly also girls who were in the dancing squad, or those working in the office during the church’s gap-year programme.
He would do so, according to his victims, by winning their trust and then taking advantage of them.
He was described as a kind and considerate man.
One of the victims said the man would phone her in the early hours of the morning and at the time, she didn’t fully comprehend why.
“He would ask me questions like if I was sleeping.
“I thought nothing of it at first because at that time of the morning, what else would I be doing?” she said.
The Bishop was arrested in February on four counts of sexual assault against women in his community.
A fifth sexual assault charge was also laid against him following his arrest.
Westenburg Police Spokesperson, Const Maphure Manamela confirmed the accused is expected to be heard in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 3 March 2017 when the trial starts.
The man’s legal representative could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print.
raeesak@nmgroup.co.za
