By Teboho Moloi
WELKOM — The Free State High Court sitting in Welkom has sentenced self-proclaimed “miracle pastor” Sabata Mariti (41) from Virginia to 55 years’ direct imprisonment after convicting him on three counts of rape.
Mariti – who led a church and claimed to perform miracles – used his religious influence to groom and sexually exploit young female congregants, the court heard.
All three victims were members of a church youth circle known as the “Team of Prophecy”, comprising girls aged 13 to 23. Evidence revealed that members of this group were expected to attend daily church sessions and often sleep over at the accused’s home for “prayer”.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the offences happened between July and August 2022.
In one incident, Mariti summoned three girls to his room under the pretext of needing help with a TikTok video. One of the victims was instructed to rub his feet. When she fell asleep, she awoke to find him sexually assaulting a 15-year-old. He then raped a 17-year old.
The final victim initially resisted, but he later returned, forced her onto the bed and raped her. The virginity of this victim formed part of the evidence before court.Kareli said Mariti threatened the girls, telling them that if they ever disclosed what happened, their families would be “finished”.
Throughout the trial Mariti claimed he was innocent and alleged the victims had conspired against him.The court, however, accepted medical evidence and WhatsApp messages presented by the State.
State Advocate Nel argued that the crime of rape remains a humiliating and degrading invasion of dignity and bodily integrity.
A victim impact statement revealed that the 15-year-old attempted suicide due to trauma, and that the 17-year-old kept WhatsApp messages sent by Mariti after he continued to rape her and attempted to “make her his wife”.
The matter was reported to police in July 2023 after one of the victims’ mothers discovered incriminating text messages on her child’s phone.
Maluti Pastors’ Federation secretary-general, Reverend Matebese Lakaje, welcomed the sentence and said he hoped it would send a strong message to others who exploit their positions for sexual abuse.
Lakaje further stated that it was now clear the perpetrator was never a true servant of God, but simply one of many “pretending to be pastors” and tarnishing the name of genuine clergy.
The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Themba Jilimba of the Thabong Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
