Times of Swaziland
August 2, 2010
http://www.times.co.sz/index.php?news=19152
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SITEKI – A woman recently divorced her husband, who is a pastor on allegations that he raped her 11-year-old niece.
Happy Mtsetfwa alleged, in her divorce papers that she could no longer continue being married to Pastor Nkosinathi Motsa because he allegedly raped her niece a while ago.
Motsa, a pastor at Mlindazwe Nazarene Church lived within the premises of the church and is said to have been actively preaching at the time of the alleged rape.
The couple appeared before Magistrate Philisile Dlamini represented by their lawyers on April 15, 2010 where Mtsetfwa alleged that her husband had raped her niece.
Apart from the alleged rape incidence, Mtsetfwa also cited physical abuse as another reason for ending her eight year old marriage to the pastor.
Divorce
Part of the divorce papers read, "We were staying with our 11-year-old niece (name withheld). I then discovered in June 7, 2008 that he (Motsa) had sex with her. I called my niece and asked her and she admitted to this in his presence."
Mtsetfwa also said she was living in fear after confronting Motsa as he would become physically abusive towards her.
The information was also recorded under civil matters at the Magistrates’ Court.
"I had to take my niece to live with someone else after that to protect her," she continued.
Kenneth Simelane, Mtseftwa’s lawyer from Sigwane and Associates confirmed that his client did mention the issue of rape.
"I can’t however state the exact words as the information is filed at Siteki where the divorce was finalised," said Simelane.
According to Mtsetfwa, the sexual abuse allegedly took place on several occasions.
Complicated
When asked why she had not reported the matter to the police, she alleged that everything was complicated at the time and she was living in fear of her husband.
"I don’t know what to do or whether to take her for counseling as I think she is still affected by the whole ordeal," she continued.
Mtsetfwa further said it was difficult for her to mention the matter to other people as Motsa was a pastor and wondered if anyone would believe her.
When reached for comment, Motsa confirmed that he knew Mtsetfwa but did not go into detail regarding their relationship.
"What did she (Mtsetfwa) say about that? What exactly does she want from me? Does she need cattle?" he asked.
. .. Pastor was demoted – Head Pastor
SITEKI – According to Head Pastor at Mlinda-zwe Nazerene Church, Nkosinathi Motsa was demoted by the committee for the alleged offence.
Pastor John Tfwala said the church was aware about the rape allegations and that the committee met and stopped Motsa from preaching.
He said the issue was uncovered when the church asked Happy Mtsetfwa why she wanted to divorce her husband.
"When I asked him, he said the two families had met about the issue and that it had been resolved amicably," said Tfwala.
He said Motsa was then asked to write a letter of apology by the committee and was later demoted.
Problems
Motsa still occupies the house at the church and pays rent.
"I knew they were having problems but I never got the exact cause from either of them. It was only when the divorce issue was brought up that Mtsetfwa said Motsa had raped her niece," said Tfwala.
When asked why the church had not informed the police, Tfwala said Mtsetfwa had mentioned that she reported the matter at Simunye.
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