By LUCY PHIRI
A LUSAKA pastor who allegedly raped an 18-year-old girl who was entrusted to him for spiritual cleansing and sponsorship to school has appeared at the Lusaka magistrate court.
George Phiri, aged 30, a pastor of United End of Times Church in Kanyama compound pleaded not guilty to one count of rape.
It is alleged that Phiri took the victim to a lodge and had sex with her as part of spiritual cleansing.
It is also alleged that he smeared a white powder on her genitals and sprinkled some water on her body claiming that she had a spiritual husband which needed to be removed whilst naked on the bed.
The court also heard that Phiri threatened to kill the victim if she was revealed the ordeal to anyone.
The victim’s father narrated to the court how he trusted his pastor because he used to go to his church for prayers.
He said his daughter still has a severe stomach pain which he believed is a spiritual attack because it has even caused her to stop going to school.
He said on July 13, 2022 he went to see Phiri because his daughter’s sickness persisted.
“I went to the pastor with my daughter. He prayed for her and asked if she should remain with him so that he can be praying for her and later take her to school as she was still in Grade 9,” he said.
He said as his rentals were due, he needed to go to the farm in Ndola.
He said he left his daughter in the hands of the pastor knowing that she was safe because she has been going to him for prayers.
“The pastor told me that he will be praying for her and that he will sponsor her to school. After a while whilst in Ndola I called the pastor to find out how she was but the pastor’s response didn’t satisfy me, I had to call my young sister,” he said.
Mr Mukupuka said it was her aunt who revealed to him that his daughter was raped by the pastor.
He testified that his daughter told her what transpired, and how the pastor took her to a lodge.
He said it was his sister who reported the matter to the police and took the victim to the clinic.
The matter comes up on October 7, 2022 for continuation of trial.
