A Phoenix pastor is standing trial after being accused of raping a teenage congregant from his church in Lenham, Phoenix, a case that has stirred widespread concern throughout the community. Pastor Lingam Pillay, the leader of Fountain of Life Ministries, allegedly sexually assaulted the young woman last May.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Carmen Rhynes confirmed that a rape case was opened at SAPS Phoenix and that the matter is now before the courts.
Pillay was arrested by SAPS Phoenix shortly after the incident was reported and charged with rape. His first appearance took place on 22 May 2024, with his most recent court appearance on 7 November of this year, at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. Previous allegations of sexual misconduct involving the pastor have also surfaced within the community.
The trial comes at a pivotal moment, with South Africa preparing to launch the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children on 25 November. Gender-based violence organisations said this case underscores the ongoing vulnerability of women and girls, even in places deemed safe. Community activists have pointed to the matter as a reminder that abuse can happen anywhere, particularly where power imbalances exist and where young people feel obligated to trust authority figures.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, activist and advocate for women’s rights Caroline Govender of the Phoenix Survival Centre (PSC) for abused, abandoned and destitute women said: “I’m deeply concerned about the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment particularly when it involves those in power. It is a stark reminder that we still have much work to do to create a safe environment for women and girls. It is disappointing to know that religious leaders who are supposed to lead young people in the path of righteousness, they themselves are perpetrators that lead people astray. Leaders have a responsibility to protect and uplift those that are entrusted to them. We need to hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that survivors receive support.”
She added: “As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence approaches, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the scourge of sexual abuse that plagues our communities from homes, schools, offices, boardrooms to religious organisations – no institution is immune to the devastating impact of sexual abuse. We stand together with survivors to fight this battle – your voice matters and your stories will not be silenced.”
Community activist Reverend Ethan Ramkuar from Survival Centre NPO said: “Abuse often hides behind power and trust; it occurs in spaces where authority is not questioned and where young people feel compelled to trust those in power. Survival Centre NPO, which prides itself on being a human rights organisation and a strong force against gender-based violence in all its forms, is appalled by the incident involving a Phoenix pastor who has allegedly raped a member of his own church. This is not the first incident and as an organisation, we will not back down. We will hold this pastor and ministry to account and we will ensure that he never harms another person again – especially women.”
“This serves as a wake-up call for members and ministries to thoroughly scan and vet their leaders. No environment, including faith-based spaces, is exempt from scrutiny when it comes to protecting the vulnerable. As we approach the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, let us intensify the fight,” added Reverend Ramkuar.
Reverend Leslie Munsamy from Christian Leaders Unlimited expressed deep concern about the allegations. He said: “The allegations of criminal behaviour within the faith based sector is concerning and highly regrettable. Faith based leaders are in a position of trust and as such, should have the highest respect and regard for those who are entrusted to them. No faith based leader should position themselves for self-aggrandisement or self-gratification. We must seek the best outcomes for those we lead. Trust is fundamental to the clerical role and the spiritual well-being of the community and once it is broken, it will take a lifetime to repair.”
Reverend Munsamy added that criminal allegations should be handled with full respect for the law. “We, at Christian Leaders Unlimited view allegations of criminal matters in a serious light and urge that the criminal and judicial structures within our land take their rightful course. I appeal to all members of the clergy and other faith based institutions, to refrain from criminal activity. If any leader is experiencing a challenge in any area of their lives, they should seek assistance and engage the necessary therapy to correct their difficulty or step down from that leadership position until they are better equipped to render their service to the community. The Bible encourages us to refrain from all appearance of evil. I appeal to all church leaders who run their churches independently, to relate to a mature senior leader and be accountable to such. We have many seasoned and mature leaders in our community and nation that independent church leaders can relate to.
No leader should be an island. There must be accountability in leadership,” added Reverend Munsamy.
The trial is expected to continue over the coming weeks as both the state and defence present their arguments. The next hearing is set for 17 December.
