A South African pastor has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of an 11-year-old girl who was the daughter of his church member, in a case that has shocked the religious community.
The Crime and Investigation
Hendrick Zamani Tana, 43, was found guilty of raping the young girl after exploiting his position as a trusted family friend and spiritual leader. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the sentencing in a statement released on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Tana was the pastor of the victim's mother and frequently visited their home. The young victim viewed him as a father figure and trusted family friend, making the betrayal particularly devastating.
The court heard that on the day of the attack, Tana knew the victim's mother was at work but deliberately went to their home where he found the 11-year-old alone. Upon entering, he closed the door, grabbed the child, and proceeded to rape her.
Brave Testimony and Crucial Evidence
The victim demonstrated remarkable courage by immediately reporting the assault to her mother, who then contacted the police. When authorities arrived at the scene, the young girl showed them where Tana had tried to wipe his semen from the floor mat.
DNA evidence collected from the mat was crucial to the case, matching Tana's genetic profile exactly. This scientific evidence directly contradicted the pastor's initial defense in court, where he claimed he hadn't penetrated the victim but had been "playing with his private parts" while looking at her.
During cross-examination by Prosecutor Choluhelo Tlhaloane, Tana's story unraveled completely. Under intense questioning, he eventually broke down and admitted to the rape.
Sentencing and Official Response
In addition to the life imprisonment sentence, the court ordered that Tana's name be added to the Sexual Offences Register and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA used the case to reaffirm its commitment to fighting Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), particularly crimes against vulnerable groups like women and children. In their statement, they emphasized that "this life sentence sends a strong and unmistakable message that those who exploit positions of trust, whether as religious leaders, community figures, or family acquaintances, will face the full might of the law."
The prosecution also submitted a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the mother with assistance from Court Preparation Officer Lenkoane, highlighting the lasting trauma caused by the assault.
The NPA commended the victim's bravery and expressed hope that the sentence would bring some measure of closure and healing to the survivor and her family, while warning that perpetrators of GBVF would be held accountable "without fear, favour, or prejudice."
