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Bishop Zondo is facing ten charges of rape.
The High Court in Pretoria has dismissed an application by the leader of the Rivers of Living Waters Church, Stephen Zondo, for Judge Papi Masopo to recuse himself.
Zondo is accused of rape, sexual assault and defeating the ends of justice. The charges were brought by members and staff of his church.
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.
Judge Mosopa emphasised his duty to consider the evidence presented and uphold the dignity of those involved, including the congregants.
The judge dismissed the accused’s recusal application, deeming it unsubstantial. “The application for my recusal as a Presiding Judge in the trial of the application is hereby refused.”
Defense lawyer Advocate Piet Pistorius has requested a consultation with his client to discuss the next steps in the trial following the judge’s ruling on the recusal application. He seeks to obtain instructions from Stephen Zondo on how to proceed with the case.
“I request that we adjourn the matter for three weeks in order to consider the judgment if necessary, if it is indeed my instructions to consider further or alternative relief as a result of the outcome of the judgment.”
The court case has been postponed to the 22nd of May to allow for the prosecution and defence to take further instructions in light of the judge’s ruling on the recusal application.
