A well-known pastor from EmaXesibeni (formerly Mount Ayliff) who is charged with rape has been unsuccessful in his bid for bail.
Forty-five-year-old pastor Mbongiseni Pakade initially abandoned his bid for bail but at his second court appearance in December he made a fresh bid to be released.
Magistrate Gcinabantu Jubase on Monday said Pakade, who is a pastor from God's Power Family Church in the Sugarbush area, is a very influential man and may interfere with witnesses.
A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mthatha Luxolo Tyali says it was also revealed in court that there are two more sexual offences cases against him, pending the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Pakade allegedly raped his daughter's 16-year-old friend in October last year.
The victim was walking home from school when Pakade allegedly offered her a ride and drove to a nearby forest where he raped her.
Tyali says it is also alleged that he threatened her not to tell anybody.
The victim later confided in her teacher who noticed that she was not performing well at school.
The matter was postponed to the 28th of February.
