Zondo seeks Judge’s recusal in ongoing r*pe and assault case
Archbishop Stephen Zondo, facing multiple r*pe and sexual assault charges, is embroiled in a contentious legal battle at the Pretoria High Court.
Zondo has filed an application seeking the recusal of Judge Papi Mosopa from his case, citing concerns over potential bias.
The Archbishop’s defense team argues that Mosopa’s dismissal of Zondo’s Section 174 application for discharge, in which the judge described the prosecution’s evidence as “credible, reliable, and trustworthy,” suggests prejudgment, undermining the fairness of the trial.
Zondo, the leader of the Rivers of Living Waters Church, stands accused of sexually assaulting and r*ping multiple women, including congregants and staff, with allegations dating back to 1980. One of the alleged victims was reportedly as young as seven or eight years old. The recusal application was heard in March 2025, with Zondo’s legal team pushing for a new judge to ensure impartiality as the defense prepares to present its case.
The court’s decision on whether to grant Zondo’s recusal request could significantly shape the future of the case, which has already faced delays and procedural setbacks since it began in 2021. The outcome of this application remains crucial in determining the trial’s direction.