Nigerian human trafficking pastor refused bail

The Nigerian pastor charged with human trafficking, sexual assault and the rape of young girls and women was refused bail in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The televangelist has been in custody since April 20 and will remain behind bars based on reasons around conspicuous passports and an inclination to interfere or intimidate state witnesses.

The court found that the pastor had no ties in South Africa and would in all likelihood flee if he were to be released on bail.

In her judgement, Magistrate Thandeka Mashiyi, said that the pastor was charged with serious offences and the minimum sentence, if he were to be convicted, would be life imprisonment.

Mashiyi said that she had to consider pertinent factors, including that the pastor was a Nigerian national and held two current Nigerian passports, adding that he did not have any fixed assets in South Africa, although he did own six vehicles, each to the value of over a half a million rand.

"His family, wife and children are all United Kingdom citizens. His church has international branches which he visits from time to time. He is regarded as an illegal immigrant [and] there is nothing tying the applicant to South Africa."

Mashiyi said that the pastor’s means of travel documentation were questionable because according to Senior Immigration Officer, Ivan Klaasen, the televangelist was in possession of a fraudulent permit.

She said that based on the evidence from investigating officer, Warrant Officer Peter Plaatjies, it was clear that the State had prima facie evidence implicating the applicant in the commission of the offences.

"Based on the strength of the State’s case, the gravity of the offences, as well as if convicted, the applicant faces very lengthy sentences. I find that there is a likelihood that if he is released on bail he might attempt to flee and evade his trial," said Mashiyi.