The Thohoyandou magistrate’s Court docket docket in Limpopo has remanded well-known preacher, Pastor Phathutshedzo Sikhubu, popularly typically often known as Prophet Innocent Muritho or Ritha, in custody after he was arrested in reference to the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl at a church in Sibasa.
“The suspect, Phathutshedzo Innocent Sikhubu, aged 40, a pastor/prophet, appeared sooner than the Thohoyandou magistrate’s Court docket docket and was remanded to 30 July 2025 in police custody for profiling,” provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba knowledgeable IOL on Wednesday.
Consistent with police research, the incident occurred on 9 July when the pastor allegedly often known as the minor to return again to the church premises.
Beforehand, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba acknowledged the preacher locked the lady in a church office and compelled himself on the minor.
“Upon her arrival, the sufferer found the pastor alone inside the church office. It is alleged that the suspect locked the door and compelled the sufferer to hold out sexual acts sooner than repeatedly raping her,” he acknowledged.
The suspect then allegedly instructed the teenage girl to in no way talk out regarding the incident.
“The sufferer courageously disclosed the ordeal to her family on Saturday, 19 July 2025, after which the police have been immediately notified. A case of rape was opened and investigated by the family violence, infant security and sexual offences (FCS) unit,” acknowledged Ledwaba.
The accused pastor was arrested on Sunday, and charged with rape.
