Bishop Zondo trial: Court hears how holy oil from his church contained traces of human blood

Disclaimer: The following story contains graphic details of child sexual abuse

PRETORIA - The Pretoria High Court has heard how holy oil from a church led by popular pastor bishop Stephen Zondo was alleged to have traces of human blood.

This was revealed during testimony by a State witness in Zondo’s rape trial on Monday.

Zondo is accused of the rape and sexual assault of women linked to his church.

One of Zondo’s alleged victims was just eight years old at the time of her alleged rape in 1980.

The court has been hearing testimony from Pitso Ramothubeli - the former host of a radio show that exposes dodgy churches and pastors.

READ: Stephen Zondo dismisses rape allegations against him as made up by children

Zondo’s lawyer asked Ramothubeli about allegations made on his show in 2012 that the holy water from the Rivers of Living Water Church, founded by Zondo, contained human blood.

Ramothubeli – popularly known as Mabochobocho – said it wasn’t the water that was said to contain blood, but the church’s holy oil which was red.

Zondo’s lawyer has accused Mabochobocho of running the show and inviting guests to have irresponsible conversations about his client.

He has also accused the radio host and Theta FM in the Vaal of running a smear campaign and leading his character assassination.