A 43-year-old South African pastor was sentenced to life imprisonment for r@ping the daughter of a congregant. Hendrick Zamani Tana is accused of r@ping the 11-year-old daughter of his church member. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. During the trial, the court heard that the accused was the Pastor of the complainant's mother and that he was always at her home visiting. The victim took him as a father and a family friend. The victim who testified in the camera alleged that on the date of the incident, the accused knew that her mother was at work, but even though he knew that the victims mother was not there, he came to their house, where he found her alone. Upon entering their home, the accused closed the door, grabbed her, and began to r3pe her. The victim later reported the matter to her mother, and the police were called to the scene. The victim was brave enough to show the police the accused's semen on the floor, where the accused tried to wipe it. The DNA was collected from the mat, and it matched that of the accused. The accused's account in court was that he did not penetrate the victim, but he was playing with his private parts while looking at the complainant, which is why his semen ended up on the floor mat. During cross-examination, Prosecutor Choluhelo Tlhaloane questioned him to challenge his version, and the accused eventually broke down and admitted that he did rape her. In aggravation and mitigation, both the State and the defence addressed the court, and in sentencing, the court found the accused guilty and in aggravation of sentence, the State handed in the Victim Impact Statement compiled by the mother with the assistance of the Court Preparation Officer Lenkoane. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment by the court. The court further ordered that the name of the accused be included in the Sexual Offences Register. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) once again reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fighting the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), particularly crimes committed against vulnerable groups such as women and children, the statement said. "This life sentence sends a strong and unmistakable message that those who exploit positions of trust, whether as religious leaders, community figures, or family acquaintances, will face the full might of the law. "The NPA emphasises that individuals who choose to lead congregations and present themselves as spiritual guides must embody integrity, compassion, and accountability. Those who misuse their positions to prey on the very people who look up to them for guidance and protection are a danger to society and will not be spared from prosecution. We commend the courage of the victim. We hope that this sentence brings a measure of closure and healing to the survivor and her family. The NPA remains resolute: GBVF has no place in our communities, and perpetrators, regardless of their status or title, will be held accountable without fear, favour, or prejudice.
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