Pastor takes the stand
Tanya Waterworth
THE Richards Bay pastor facing nine charges
of indecent assault and crimen injuria gave
evidence in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s
Court this week.
Marinus Coetzee (52) took the stand on
Monday afternoon, following the State’s
defence closing with their last witness, a
teacher from a local high school.
Due to difficulty understanding English,
Coetzee asked for an Afrikaans interpreter.
The court resumed again on Tuesday morning
with an interpreter and the pastor denied
the allegations made against him by four
young female members of his former
congregation.
Coetzee was the pastor of the Meerensee AGS
Kerk when the allegations were made.
Following an internal investigation, Coetzee
resigned from the church shortly thereafter.
The sensational trial, which has caused a
storm in the Richards Bay community, started
in January when the four prime witnesses
appeared.
Media were banned from attending court
during the girls’ testimony as it was deemed
to be of a highly sensitive nature.
The dramatic accusations and ensuing trial
has left the close-knit Afrikaans community
divided.
Prosecutor Sharon Bux is appearing for the
State and Advocate Chris van Vuuren for the
Defence.
The trial is due to draw to a close on
Thursday, at which time presiding Judge M
Mthembu will set down a date for judgement.
