Sins of the shepherds: More pastors accused of murder, rape

Serious criminal cases involving pastors and other church leaders are increasingly reported nationwide, with a concentration of incidents in the northern regions, raising serious concerns about the safety of places of worship.Yesterday, 68-year-old church deacon Markus Max Musongo was denied bail in the Rundu Magistrate's Court after allegedly shooting and killing his son, Felix Musongo, at their home in Siudiva village in the Rundu district. The incident, which took place on Sunday, followed a domestic dispute between Markus and his wife, Amalia. When Felix intervened to protect his mother, he was shot twice - once in the back of his head and once in his thigh. He died instantly, according to Kavango West police chief inspector Raimbert Muronga.Markus has also been charged with assault and threatening to shoot his wife.Violent priestIn August, 31-year-old Roman Catholic priest Max Hambabi appeared in the Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court for allegedly killing his three-year-old niece and severely assaulting his six-year-old nephew, who remains in critical condition. The crime took place at Onakaholo village in the Ohangwena Region.Hambabi had arrived in the village to attend the commemoration of a century of Catholic missionary activity in Oshikuku. During his stay, he reportedly entered a room where the children were sleeping and violently assaulted them. His niece succumbed to her injuries, while his nephew remains in intensive care. The priest is facing charges of murder and attempted murder.In another case, 45-year-old Andrew Mberema Hausiku, a church leader, was denied bail last year in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court after two members of his congregation died from drinking a concoction he had reportedly prepared. The incident occurred at Kandjara village, where Hausiku is alleged to have given four women the concoction. Two died, while the other two survived after being treated at Nyangana District Hospital. He faces two charges of murder and two of attempted murder.Teens rapedTwo months ago, police in the Omusati Region launched a manhunt for a 40-year-old self-proclaimed pastor who allegedly raped and impregnated his 15-year-old stepdaughter.This was confirmed by Omusati police commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, who called on the public to assist in tracing the suspect. Namibian Sun established that the suspect had ties in Angola and may have fled to the neighbouring country.The so-called pastor - whose identity is known to this publication - allegedly raped his 15-year-old stepdaughter on numerous occasions since July last year at Ombogo village in the Tsandi constituency. He reportedly lured the victim into sexual relations by teaching her and her nine-year-old niece about the sexual reproductive system.Three months ago, a pastor from the Disciples of Christ Church in Ongwediva was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 15-year-old girl. The alleged rapes occurred on two occasions, once in 2023 and again in March this year.The crimes came to light after the girl's parents noticed her pregnancy and questioned her, leading her to reveal that the pastor was responsible. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Stefanus Oiva, allegedly offered the girl a ride after church services, taking her in a different direction and raping her in his car on both occasions, according to Inspector Frieda Shikole of the Oshana community policing sub-division.In March, police in Omusati launched an investigation into a Lutheran pastor accused of raping a 15-year-old girl and fathering her child. Another pastor, Elikan Neliwa of Have Mercy Mission Ministries, was arrested for allegedly raping three members of his congregation, aged 17, 19 and 24 - all learners at a local school.In another case last year, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia dismissed Hendrick Shuudeni from his position as a pastor after he reportedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a young man, whom he promised a job in return for sexual favours.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Sins of the shepherds: More pastors accused of murder, rape

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Sins of the shepherds: More pastors accused of murder, rape

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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