A charismatic Apostle, famous for his snappy dress-sense and moving sermons, stands accused of raping a 17-year-old girl from his congregation, allegedly sexually abusing her in the church toilets.
The allegations against, Tirafalo Boy Mmelesi, better known as Apostle Joseph of Freedom Grace Ministry Church, date back to 11 May 2022 at the church’s headquarters in Sojwe village.
Hauled before Molepolole Magistrates Court for mention this week, it was heard that the 32-year-old Man of God had contacted the teen’s aunt the day before, requesting to speak with her niece.
He reportedly set-up a meeting with the youngster for the next day, arranging to meet her at the church.
After she arrived, Apostle Joseph is said to have called her over to the toilet, locking her inside before demanding a kiss. The teenager seemingly turned down his advances, at which point the clergyman allegedly forcibly removed her clothes and proceeded to rape her without using protection.
Meanwhile, a source close to the case told The Voice that the complainant and her accused attacker were in fact having a secret affair, with the Apostle unaware his lover was underage.
“All he knew was that she had finished school. They met and had sex in the toilets. There were people around and, because they did not want to be seen together, she left first and then he followed shortly after,” claimed the source, adding they chose the toilets as they were scared to use the Apostle’s place for fear of getting caught.
The source further explained Apostle Joseph was keen to keep the affair secret as he had only recently arrived in the village and was worried his followers would be unimpressed that he had fallen in love with a church-member so quickly.
According to a second source, after the ordeal the girl returned home and took a bath, preparing herself for overnight church service. It was not until the next day when she informed a pastor of what had happened.
The rumours eventually got back to the girl’s parents, who promptly alerted the police, leading to Apostle Joseph’s arrest.
The case continues on 23 November.
