The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed the severe sentence handed down by the 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.
Evidence presented in court revealed 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 an internal group called the “Team of Prophecy,” which consisted of girls aged between 13 and 23 years. Members of this group were required to attend daily church sessions and frequently slept over at the accused’s home for prayer.
The court heard that the incidents occurred in July and August of 2022. In one instance in July 2022, Mariti summoned three girls to his room under the pretext of needing assistance with the social media app TikTok. After one victim was instructed to rub his feet and fell asleep, she woke to find Mariti sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
The suspect then proceeded to rape a 17-year-old girl. The final victim, who was a virgin, initially refused, but Mariti returned, forced her onto the bed, and raped her. Following the assaults, Mariti threatened the victims, stating their lives and their families’ lives would be over if they told anyone.
The trauma of the event had severe consequences. The 15-year-old victim left the church, subsequently suffered from severe depression, and began self-harming by cutting her arms. The 17-year-old victim remained in the congregation out of fear. However, after Mariti raped her again and began sending her messages attempting to make her his “wife,” she saved the communications.
Her mother later discovered the messages, leading to the ordeal being reported to the police on 15 July 2023. The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Themba Jilimba from the Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. Working closely with National Prosecuting Authority Advocate Nel, the investigation progressed. Upon learning that her friend had found the courage to speak up, the 15-year-old victim also came forward.
The court found the accused guilty on three counts of rape, culminating in the 55-year prison sentence.