Johannesburg - The case against a church pastor, two grandparents and an uncle of a 9-year-old boy who allegedly molested the child in a satanic ritual has been transferred to a regional court.
The child’s paternal grandparents, an uncle and the 54-year-old pastor were arrested last month after an SAPS Occult Related Crimes Unit investigation.
Police suspect the group brought the then 7-year-old to the Full Gospel Church of God in Witfield, Boksburg, in 2013. Clad in red robes and chanting, they allegedly forced the boy to fondle their genitals before the uncle raped him.
On Wednesday, the four accused appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court after being released on bail earlier this month.
The case was transferred to the Germiston Regional Court, where the four will appear on Wednesday.
Non-profit organisation Women and Men Against Child Abuse is furious that the group were released on bail.
“The boy and his parents and police members report receiving threats of violence for reopening this case. Who will be held accountable should harm be done to the victim and those taking action to protect him?” asked advocacy manager Germaine Vogel. “Three of the four alleged rapists are relatives.
“We will not eradicate crimes against children until the State treats child abusers as dangerous criminals.”
The Star