Atteridgeville pastor’s rape case delayed for a crucial assessment
PRETORIA — The case against pastor Caiphus Mkhawane and two co-accused has been postponed to 7 December to allow further psychiatric assessments to determine fitness to stand trial. The Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court proceedings concern allegations that a woman was raped and her four-month-old baby killed during a visit to the Hennops River.
According to reports, Mkhawane and Amanda Mnguni require further evaluations, while all three accused are expected to be admitted to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital for assessment. Advocate Vuyisile Silimela, representing Mkhawane and Mnguni, welcomed the postponement and told the court that the defence accepted the reports concerning his clients.
The National Prosecuting Authority identifies the third accused as Tsako Angel Makhubela. All three face conspiracy to commit murder and fraud charges, while Mkhawane and Makhubela also face charges of human trafficking, premeditated murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances. These allegations have not been proved in court.
Prosecutors allege that several funeral policies were taken out in the mother’s name in August. On 7 October, she allegedly accompanied Mkhawane and Makhubela to the Hennops River for purported religious rituals. The NPA says she was restrained and raped, and that the infant was subsequently killed. The woman allegedly escaped and sought help from construction workers, who assisted in contacting police.
A fitness assessment examines whether an accused person can understand criminal proceedings sufficiently to conduct a defence. Under the Criminal Procedure Act, this is separate from an assessment of criminal responsibility at the time of an alleged offence. A referral for psychiatric evaluation does not itself establish a diagnosis or determine guilt.
The case is scheduled to return to court on 7 December, with the assessments intended to inform how proceedings should continue.
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