Niël Terblanché
Swakopmund, September 10, 2023 – A church pastor in Swakopmund is currently facing serious charges of indecent assault after he was accused of sexually abusing two female members of his congregation.
These serious allegations have sent shockwaves through the local community.
According to a report provided by the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, the pastor, a 34-year-old man, is alleged to have committed indecent acts with two women, aged 31 and 37, at his residence in the Mondesa residential area of Swakopmund over a period spanning from May to September of this year.
Details emerging from the police report suggest that the pastor allegedly instructed the two women on separate occasions to remove their clothing. He then purportedly applied what he claimed to be anointing water while inappropriately touching their private parts. It is further alleged that the pastor engaged in massaging his victims with the pretext of healing them.
The incident came to light after one of the victims reported the abuse to the authorities. The police subsequently launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of the pastor.
Local residents and members of the congregation have expressed shock and disbelief at the allegations, as the accused was seen as a spiritual leader within the community.
The church in question has not released an official statement regarding the allegations at this time, but it is likely to face scrutiny as the case progresses through the legal process.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within religious communities.
The suspect appeared before the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court and was freed on bail of N$2 000
