Dobsonville Pastor Charged with Rape of 12-Year-Old Relative Faces Bail Hearing in Roodepoort Court

A 58-year-old pastor accused of raping a 12-year-old relative in Dobsonville is set to apply for bail in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EWN

Second Court Appearance Amidst Public Outcry

A 58-year-old Dobsonville pastor is scheduled to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Tuesday to apply for bail. He stands accused of raping his 12-year-old relative during the recent Easter weekend. The man was apprehended last week following his initial court appearance, as community members and activists continue to demand that he remain in custody given the severity of the charges and the vulnerability of the victim.

The Discovery and Graphic Evidence

The case gained national attention after a disturbing video was widely shared on social media, purportedly showing the immediate aftermath of the assault. In the footage, the young victim appears in a state of physical distress, with visible evidence of trauma at the accused's residence. A woman can be heard in the background of the recording confronting the pastor. This digital evidence played a significant role in the swift police intervention and the subsequent arrest of the suspect at his home in Dobsonville.

Community Mobilization and Justice Marches

Since the arrest, Dobsonville has seen a wave of protests led by community members and gender-based violence (GBV) advocacy groups. Last week, hundreds marched through the streets calling for the court to deny bail, citing a "betrayal of trust" by a religious leader. Protesters have vowed to gather outside the Roodepoort court again on Tuesday to maintain pressure on the judiciary and ensure the victim’s safety is prioritized throughout the legal proceedings.