A 39-year-old South African pastor, Confidence Monyela, has been sentenced to two life terms and an additional 35 years in prison for sexually abusing several teenage girls who were members of his church.

The Naphuno Magistrate Court handed down the sentence on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after finding Monyela guilty on six counts—five of them related to sexual abuse and one count of assault.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the offences took place between 2016 and 2017. Monyela reportedly lured girls aged between 14 and 17 to his church under the pretext of offering spiritual guidance. Once there, he would pray for them and then proceed to abuse them.

Police investigations revealed that Monyela threatened the girls with spiritual harm, claiming the Holy Spirit would punish them if they ever told anyone.

The victims, however, bravely came forward and reported the matter to authorities, leading to his arrest, trial, and conviction.

For two of the charges, Monyela received life sentences. He was also sentenced to 10 years each for three additional counts and five years for the final charge. These extra terms will run concurrently with the life sentences.

He has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The case was thoroughly investigated by Sergeant Klaas Mulungwa of the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. The SAPS has commended both the victims for their courage and the officers for their dedication in bringing justice.

Authorities are urging anyone with similar experiences or information to come forward. Support is available, and no one should suffer in silence.

Source; PM News