Ex-Virginia Pastor Sabata Mariti Sentenced to 55-years in Prison for Brutal Rapes of Underage Followers He Lured with Fake Prayers and Threats of Doom
A Free State high court has jailed former pastor Sabata Mariti for 55 years after convicting him of raping three young female church members. The 41-year-old from Virginia exploited his spiritual role to target vulnerable girls in his congregation, shattering trust in a place meant for solace and guidance.
Mariti led a church in Meloding where he performed supposed miracles and groomed victims through a group called the Team of Prophecy. These girls, aged 13 to 23, attended daily sessions and often stayed overnight at his home for prayers. The assaults happened in July and August 2022.
One night in July, Mariti called three girls to his room under the guise of TikTok help. A 15-year-old woke to him assaulting her peer, then he raped a 17-year-old. The third, a virgin, resisted but was forced onto the bed and violated. He threatened their lives and families if they spoke out.
The 15-year-old quit the church, plunging into depression and self-harm. The 17-year-old endured another rape and coercive messages positioning her as his wife. Her mother found the WhatsApp exchanges, leading to a police report on July 15, 2023. Detective Sergeant Themba Jilimba from Thabong’s family violence unit took the case.
With National Prosecuting Authority Advocate Nel’s support, evidence like medical reports and messages overwhelmed Mariti’s denial of a conspiracy claim. The court in Welkom deemed him guilty on all three rape counts, citing the profound violation of victims’ dignity and privacy.
One victim’s impact statement detailed a suicide attempt from the trauma. SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Free State praised the sentence as a deterrent, vowing to protect children from authority figures who betray their power. Mariti’s fall serves as a stark reminder of hidden dangers in sacred spaces.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
