Cape Town - The Delft pastor accused of rape will spend the Christmas holiday in custody. Ebrahiem Sardien, 39, was arrested on November 17 after a 15-year-old girl reported the case the previous day.
Sardien made his second appearance in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where the case was remanded to January 22 for further investigation.
Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm said: “Action Society joined Women Impacting a Nation and members of the Delft community at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court for a rape case of a 15-year-old who was sexually assaulted allegedly by a pastor in Delft. The incident occurred last Saturday. The case has been postponed to January 22, 2025 for further investigation.”
A community member said Sardien’s lawyer indicated he wouldn’t apply for bail.
“We want to put emphasis on screening of community leaders and those members serving on community boards.
“We will support the victim and we don’t want him back in our community. We will approach the police about this.”
It is alleged the accused fetched the victim from her home for a Bible study session in Brackenfell, but they ended up in Goodwood where he allegedly raped her.
According to the resident, Sardien is a family member who would fetch the girl and her sister on weekends.
“Pastor Hiema or Ebie as he is known, usually fetches the girl every Saturday for praise and worship classes for about two to three hours.
“The victim and her sister were supposed to go together but the sister couldn’t.”
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said a criminal case was reported at Delft police station.
Cape Argus