JOHANNESBURG - The Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission is warning people against religious leaders who abuse the trust placed in them.
The warning follows the alleged rape of a Diepsloot woman and the death of her four-month-old baby during a suspected cleansing ritual.
The woman had allegedly been sent to a river in Atteridgeville by a pastor for the ceremony. She left her baby with the pastor’s wife before accompanying the pastor.
READ: Tragic end to ritual as kidnapped four-month-old baby found dead
The woman was allegedly tied up and raped. She later managed to escape and ran to a nearby construction site, where she sought help.
Her baby was later found buried in a shallow grave.
The pastor’s wife has been arrested, while police are continuing their search for the pastor.
READ: Pastor's wife arrested as police search for 4-month-old kidnapped child
CRL Commissioner Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says the alleged incident highlights the need for greater accountability within religious organisations.
“It is terrible that it happens within a sacred space where people are supposed to trust religious leaders,” she says.
Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says the commission has long raised concerns about people being deceived in the name of religion.
She is calling for stronger checks and balances, including mechanisms for religious leaders to hold one another accountable.
The commission is also calling for the vetting of religious leaders, particularly because they may have access to children.
Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says there has been opposition to greater oversight, but the commission believes stronger safeguards are necessary.