Soweto pastor expected in court after ‘brutal assault’ on ex-girlfriend

A Soweto-based pastor is due to appear in the Roodepoort magistrate’s court on Valentine’s Day after allegedly severely beating his ex-girlfriend.

Gauteng’s department of community safety, which is supporting the victim, said it would attend proceedings when Oscar Ngobeni appears in court.

“Ngobeni is accused of brutally assaulting his ex-lover on December 7 2021 at her workplace. The ordeal took place in full view of [her]  colleagues and was caught on the company’s surveillance cameras,” the department said.

“Ngobeni is facing a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and has been out on bail since first appearing in court in December.”

During his last appearance, scores of community activists descended on the court to protest. They carried posters showing images of his former partner’s battered face.

Some wore T-shirts bearing the same image.

The community safety department said it was providing the woman with counselling.

TimesLIVE