WELKOM – The South African Police Service has welcomed the severe sentence handed down by the Free State High Court against 41-year-old Sabata Mariti, a well-known former pastor from Virginia, who was convicted on three counts of rape.
Mariti, who led a church and was known to his congregation for performing alleged miracles, was sentenced to an effective term of 55 years’ imprisonment.
Position of Trust Exploited
The court heard evidence that Mariti used his position of power and perceived spiritual authority to groom and exploit young female members of his church. The victims were part of a group called the “Team of Prophecy,” consisting of girls aged between 13 and 23 years, who were required to attend daily church sessions and frequently sleep over at the accused’s home for prayer.
The incidents occurred in July 2022 and August 2022.
Systematic Pattern of Abuse
In July 2022, Mariti summoned three girls to his room under the pretext of needing assistance with TikTok. After one victim was instructed to rub his feet and fell asleep, she woke to find Mariti sexually assaulting another 15-year-old girl.
The suspect then proceeded to rape a 17-year-old girl. The final victim, a virgin, initially refused, but Mariti returned, forced her onto the bed, and raped her. Mariti then threatened the victims, saying their lives and their families’ lives would be over if they told anyone.
Following the initial incident, the 15-year-old victim left the church, subsequently suffered from severe depression, and began cutting her arms. The 17-year-old victim remained due to fear, but after Mariti raped her again and began sending her messages attempting to make her his “wife,” she saved the communications.
Her mother discovered the messages, and the ordeal was reported to the police on 15 July 2023.
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Investigation and Prosecution
The case was handed over to Detective Sergeant Themba Jilimba from Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, working together with National Prosecuting Authority Advocate Nel. The 15-year-old later also came forward after learning her friend had the courage to speak up.
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Despite the accused maintaining his innocence and claiming the girls conspired against him, the State presented compelling evidence, including medical reports and WhatsApp messages. The court found the accused guilty on three counts of rape.
Severe Impact Highlighted
The prosecution argued that the crime of rape constitutes a humiliating, degrading, and brutal invasion of the privacy, dignity, and bodily integrity of the victim. A victim impact statement revealed one complainant had attempted suicide due to the trauma.
The sentence reflects the court’s recognition of the serious breach of trust involved when those in positions of spiritual authority exploit vulnerable young people.
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