The Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission is warning the public about the dangers of religious leaders abusing the trust placed in them.
The warning follows the alleged rape of a woman in Diepsloot and the death of her four-month-old baby during what police believe may have been a cleansing ritual.
The woman was allegedly instructed by a pastor to go to a river in Atteridgeville for the ceremony. She reportedly left her baby in the care of the pastor’s wife before accompanying the pastor.
According to the allegations, the woman was tied up and raped before managing to escape and seek help at a nearby construction site.
Her baby was later found buried in a shallow grave.
The pastor’s wife has been arrested, while police continue to search for the pastor.
CRL Commissioner Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says the alleged incident highlights the need for greater accountability within religious organisations.
She says it is particularly concerning that the alleged abuse took place in a religious setting where people are expected to feel safe and trust their spiritual leaders.
Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says the commission has previously raised concerns about people being deceived or exploited in the name of religion.
She is calling for stronger checks and balances within religious organisations, including systems that allow religious leaders to hold one another accountable.
The commission is also advocating for the vetting of religious leaders, particularly because some have access to children.
Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says there has been resistance to increased oversight of religious organisations, but believes stronger safeguards are necessary to protect vulnerable people from abuse.