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Bishop Stephen Zondo.
The High Court in Pretoria is set to deliver judgment in the recusal application brought by Bishop Stephen Zondo, leader of the Rivers of Living Water Church.
Zondo is calling for Judge Papi Mosopa to recuse himself from the ongoing trial where he faces nine counts of rape and sexual assault.
The recusal bid follows Judge Mosopa’s dismissal of Zondo’s application to have the charges dropped under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Zondo had argued that the state had failed to present compelling evidence, however, the judge found that the testimony presented by witnesses was credible and reliable.
He contends that the judge’s remarks indicate a predetermined decision and says he will not be impartial going forward.
The Bishop has since denied all allegations against him, saying his church has been targeted by the CRL Rights Commission and former members.
