Latest news with #Nquthu
Zawya
09-08-2025
- Zawya
South Africa: Commission for Gender Equality welcomes conviction of serial rapist pastor in child sexual abuse case
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of a serial rapist pastor in a harrowing case involving the sexual abuse of twelve (12) minor children, which were 10 boys and 2 girls, aged between 7 and 14 years. The sentence was handed down by the Nquthu Regional Magistrate's Court on 23 July 2025. The accused was convicted and sentenced to ten (10) life imprisonment terms for 9 counts of rape and 1 count of attempted rape, seven (7) five-year terms for 7 counts of sexual assault, and seven (7) five-year terms for exposure of a child to pornography. The CGE notes that the court did not deviate from the mandatory life sentences prescribed by the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 for rape where the victims are under the age of 18. This decision affirms the seriousness with which our courts ought to treat crimes of this nature, particularly against minor children. The Commission welcomes this outcome, which sends a clear message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full wrath of the law. It is hoped that this judgment will serve not only as justice for the victims, but also as a deterrent to potential offenders. The CGE monitored this matter as an own accord investigation/complaint, consistent with its constitutional and legislative mandate to monitor gender-based violence matters, promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups, in this case being the minor children. The matter required the coordination of multiple stakeholders in the criminal justice system and involved complex logistical and procedural challenges. The accused pastor lured children to his rented premises under the pretence that they were helping him with tasks and under the guise of offering spiritual or pastoral guidance, where the abuse took place. He used his position of authority and trust within the community to manipulate and groom the children, exploiting their respect for religious and adult figures. The Commission remains deeply concerned by the abuse of trust and authority within religious and community spaces. This outcome aligns with the key findings of the Commission's KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office during its financial year 2024/25 investigation into the implementation of Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), which focuses on access to justice, safety and protection including coordination. As part of the investigation, the Commission engaged with key role players, including the SAPS, NPA, and the DoJ&CD, to assess the implementation of the pillar including collaboration. The successful prosecution of this case demonstrates the importance and practical value of sustained interagency co-operation in ensuring accountability, promoting victim-centred justice, and removing systemic barriers to justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse. The CGE has also noted with grave concern the recent arrests and sentencing of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors in Limpopo, Free State, and North West. The life imprisonment of Pastor Albert Tamasane on two counts for raping an 11-year-old girl, the three life sentences handed to Fezile Zozi in North West for raping women and minors between 2021 and 2023 under the disguise of spiritual revivals, and the life sentencing of Confidence Monyela of Limpopo on two counts of raping minors between the ages of 14 and 19 brings into spotlight the systemic issues that confront those who trust some men of cloth. It raises fundamental questions about the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and minors at the hands of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors, taking into cognisance that some are still going on trial. These matters underscore the urgent need for child safeguarding mechanisms in all institutions, particularly those led by individuals in positions of trust. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
News24
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Sweet Guluva on success, humility and privacy - ‘You need your family just to be also grounded'
He might be R2 million richer, but he'll never forget his humble roots. Akhonamathemba Zwane, affectionately known as Sweet Guluva to his beloved fanbase across the country, is still riding the high of his Big Brother Mzansi season five win. Through it all, Sweet Guluva has never lost his faith and attributes his humility to his family and to God. 'I'm also accepting the fact that I'm a Godly person,' he tells TRUELOVE. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akhonamathemba Zwane (@sweet_guluva) While Sweet Guluva is of the first of his family to experience the spotlight and highs and lows that come with fame, he reveals that they are the people who know him best and can attest to life-changing experiences. He explains, 'In life, they've been there before, so most of the situations they know better than I do. So maybe, with [handling money], they know vele... 'This is how you handle this, this is how you stay humble, this is what you do'. So, you need your family just to be also grounded and also just reconnect.' From MCing high-profile events like the Durban Music Festival and returning to his roots in the small KzwaZulu-Natal town of Nquthu engaging, entertaining and inspiring thousands of school kids with All Gold's youth empowerment school tour to testing his diski skills with the Broscape Championship with Dove Men, the 23-year-old's star is still shining bright. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akhonamathemba Zwane (@sweet_guluva) Since being a part of major brands and inspiring campaigns, some might believe Sweet Guluva may feel a sense of responsibility especially to the youth in his hometown. However, he explains, 'I don't see it as a responsibility. People follow what they feel is genuine and real. That's what truly connects.' READ MORE | From trumpeting These Streets to Horns in the Sun: Mi Casa's Mo-T's everlasting hits Sweet Guluva's newfound fame hasn't come without it's hardships and devastating losses that life unexpectedly throws our way. Towards the beginning of May 2025, the young star issued a statement through his team confirming the loss of his sister, Lwazi Zwane. Sweet Guluva describes the relationship he had with his sister to us as 'very tight', but he is also adamant about maintaining his privacy through such life events as well as with his relationship with fellow housemate Ashley Ogle, which he says is also 'very tight now.' While Sweet Guluva is cagey about any details around his love life and upcoming projects, he tells us to keep our eyes on his social media. 'All will be shared on social media if there's anything, but for now we're still trying,' he says.
