SEDIBENG. – Appeals by the legal representative of Bishop Bafana Zondo of Rivers of Living Waters Ministries that the matter be postponed for six months have been rejected by the Pretoria High Court.

A lengthy six-month postponement was requested by Richard Mkhabela, the Bishop’s lawyer, so he could fully study the 215 pages of the case docket. Zondo made a first appearance at the Pretoria High Court GA on Monday, 23 August.

This after the matter was transferred from the Sebokeng Magistrates Court in May. Mkhabela was told by the Court a week was all that could be allowed. The matter will sit again on 30 August.

The spokesperson of the National Prosecution Authority, Lumka Mahanjana said that the 55-year-old Bishop is facing charges of the alleged rape, contravening the sexual offences act and defeating the end of justice. Zondo faces nine counts in total.