Bishop Sinclair says he’s not guilty
“This never happened, I plead not guilty to all of the above,” Sinclair said.
POLOKWANE – Bishop Lucas Peter Sinclair was arrested in February 2016 on several counts of sexual assault and charges of public indecency.
Following a series of alleged indecent acts, a number of women from his church community came forward.
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Westenburg bishop released on R5000 bail
Sinclair appeared in court on Thursday 2 March where two female victims took the stand to testify against him.
The Bishop from Westenburg, accused of sexually assaulting young girls has pleaded not guilty to all charges
— Polokwane Review (@PolokwaneReview) March 2, 2017
Sinclair was charged with seven counts of assault: three sexual assaults, three indecency assaults and an attempted sexual assault, all of which he pleaded not guilty to.
One of the female victims says she has been attending Bethel Church which the Bishop preaches at, for more than 15 years, ever since she moved to Westenburg in 2002.
“As a Christian I trusted Bishop Sinclair with all my heart, because he gave us spiritual guidance and also taught us about loving God at all times. As I started attending Sunday school at church, I became closer to the church as my comfort and guidance.”
She says Bishop Sinclair was a very trusted and respected man in the church and when he allegedly assaulted her, she did not know who else to talk to about the assaults, as she was too embarrassed and ashamed of what people might think of her.
That is why she says she waited a long time to report the matter to the police.
Sinclair’s attorney Tumi Mokwena says two witnesses have already taken the stand.
Sinclair’s next court appearance will be on Monday, 19 June. Mokwena believes the court proceedings will continue for a few days during the same week.
“Two witnesses took to the stand and testified,” Mokwena said.
He further said that only one complainant has been cross examined during proceedings thus far.
