PHUTHADITJHABA - Free State Premier MaQueen Letshoha-Mathae has sounded the alarm on the proliferation of 'fake churches' in the province, linking them to a surge in gender-based violence (GBV) cases in many communities.

Letsoha-Mathae said this on 16 April during the launch of the province’s fifth Thuthuzela Care Centre based at the Elizabeth Ross Hospital in Phutaditjhaba,

Thuthuzela Care Centres are one-stop facilities that have been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy which aims to reduce secondary victimisation, improve conviction rates and reduce the cycle time for finalisation of cases. The Phutaditjhaba TCC is the 66th of its kind in South Africa.

The centres provide comprehensive support to victims of sexual offences in the province.

They offer forensic medical examinations, counselling, legal services, court preparations and empowers victims to seek justice against their perpetrators.

According to a report issued by The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Free State has recorded 574 cases of sexual offences during the period 1 January and 9 April 2025.

Letsoha-Mathae urged authorities to take action against unregulated churches and religious groups, warning that inaction could lead to more incidents similar to that of the controversial Nigerian pastor, Timothy Omotoso case who was found not guilty and acquitted on rape and human trafficking charges against him in the Gqeberha High court in Eastern Cape.

“We should make noise about the mushrooming of fake churches in the province because many cases of gender-based violence have been reported from them.

“We should start now to avoid another Omotoso incident. We can no longer keep quiet about them. We cannot just sleep and wake up with a tent which we don’t know who the owner is. “The municipalities have to play a role to check who those people are and where they come from. We should know who gave them sites and who authorised them to erect tents in our communities.

“We believe the centre will be used effectively. We don't need more police stations but education is needed for our people in the fight against gender-based violence.

“At least now, victims will be able to come here and give statements if they don't want to go to the police station, she said.

She added that the centre is a beacon of hope to the victims of gender-based violence

Attending the launch was Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel and the provinces MEC for Social Development Mathabo Leeto.