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| NPA to Swoop on Church over Sex Claims By Thabiso Thakali IOL November 14, 2009 http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20091114075953583C902823 The National Prosecuting Authority is set to pounce on the Central Methodist Church next week after completing its investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of children living in the refugee centre. The NPA was handed a dossier containing serious allegations of abuse against children taking place at the church in July after the head of Methodist Church's public concern committee investigated them. The church is home to more than 2 000 refugees, mostly from Zimbabwe, and also houses a number of unaccompanied minors. 'The decision has been taken on the matter' The Saturday Star understands that the NPA was planning a swoop on the church to arrest the alleged perpetrators of the crimes against the children living in the centre. This comes after several allegations were made by various organisations and individuals about sexual activities against minors taking place there. Last week, the chairwoman of Gauteng's safety and security committee shocked a meeting when she revealed she had seen "some kids having sex publicly with their boyfriends in the church". NPA spokesman Mthunzi Mhanga said yesterday that investigations into the sexual abuse allegations had been completed, but he could not yet tell what the decision was. "The decision has been taken on the matter but we need to communicate with all the parties involved," said Mhanga."If we decide to prosecute, this will first have to be communicated with the church, but not through the media." The church's Bishop Paul Verryn said yesterday he was not aware of any decision that had been made on the matter. He could only confirm that he would be meeting with the NPA on Tuesday, where he was expecting to be filled in on any developments. |
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