The Magistrate Court sitting in Mt Ayliff on Thursday finally handed down the verdict on the bail application of Rape Accused Reverend Enoch Mthuthuzeli Ndlaku. The 62 years old reverend of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa was released on R5000.00 bail, following numerous appearances before this court for the application. Ndlaku was arrested on the 8th of this month after he drove himself to Mt Frere South African Police Services to inquire on reports that there is a criminal case opened against him.
Rev Ndlaku allegedly raped a 16 year old girl from his church back in 2012. According to reports, the alleged victim was residing at Rhode mission with the Reverend and other residents when the incident occurred. The African National Congress Woman’s league task team convener in the Alfred Nzo Region Mrs Patricia Mankahla said as the women’s league they are deeply disappointed by today’s verdict, as they are in support of the alleged victim. Adding that even though this occurred a decade ago they still have hope that Ndlaku will be found guilty, and justice be served.
Also attending the proceedings, Rev Ndlaku’s wife Nontsikelelo Ndlaku says she is happy that her husband will finally answer for his alleged wrong doings when the case goes to trial. She however denied allegations that she was quite about these rape incidents for a very long time. Mrs Ndlaku said,”I want to correct the reports that I was silent about this matter, because I was not. I discussed it with the victim’s mother, who now allegedly has no knowledge of that”. Adding that she even discussed this with accused telling him that she is not happy about what he did.
Speaking on behalf of the Methodist church of Southern African Bishop President Mongameli Noqayi says they strongly condemn Gender based violence and femicide and are troubled by those tarnishing the church name.” The church immediately called a meeting with both Mr and Mrs Ndlaku after the allegations of these incidents reached us through voice notes in July 2021” said Noqayi.
He further said they are happy that Reverend Ndlaku is out on bail and reunited with his family, and they are now waiting for the outcomes of the trial.
Reverend Mthuthuzeli Ndlaku will appear again in Mount Ayliff Magistrate court on the 14th October 2022 for further court proceedings.
