A 57-year-old Pastor has been arrested on Monday together with five members of his Church.
The Limpopo based pastor cannot be named because he hasn’t appeared in court.
The pastor and his members, aged between 24 and 59, were arrested for rape, fraud, assault GBH, concealment of death, Kidnapping, extortion and theft.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the police started investigating these charges soon after receiving complaints from some of the congregants that the Pastor and his accomplices allegedly assaulted them severely during church services when they failed to tithe.
"Others allegedly had to surrender their houses and cars and were told to stay within the church premises.
Other allegations include extortion of hard-earned cash in millions, from pensioners who had just retired," said Mojapelo.
He said the said Pastor is also suspected of having raped girls as young as 14.
More than 40 cases of rape and assault are being investigated.
The police are also investigating the allegations that the deaths of certain congregants might have been concealed.
On Friday, the same pastor will be appearing in Mankweng Magistrate Court for another rape case.
All arrested suspects will appear in Seshego Magistrate Court tomorrow.Police investigations are continuing and more arrests and charges are possible.
