By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN – A controversial pastor from Bolobedu South is expected to appear before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court today after being remanded in custody on charges of attempted murder and pointing a firearm at his girlfriend.
The suspect, identified as Thabang Leon, allegedly poured boiling water over his girlfriend’s breasts and later pointed a gun at her following a heated argument at her home in Mokopane.
The brutal attack reportedly left the victim with severe burns on both breasts, resulting in extensive physical and emotional trauma.
Leon, who is known in Bolobedu South as a self-proclaimed evangelist, made a brief appearance in court for a possible bail hearing.
However, the matter was postponed to allow authorities to refer his two criminal charges to different courts Polokwane and Tzaneen Magistrate’s Courts while he remains in police custody.
According to the ruling, Leon appeared in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on 30 October 2025, where the case was postponed to Friday, 7 November. He is also expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court for the firearm charge, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
The ANC Youth League in the Waterberg Region has strongly condemned the incident, expressing solidarity with the victim. The league stated that it does not support bail for the accused, emphasizing that violence against women must be met with firm accountability.
“We stand with the victim and her family during this difficult time. No woman deserves such cruelty, especially from someone who claims to be a man of God,” the statement read.
The case has sparked outrage on social media, with many community members calling for justice and tougher action against perpetrators of gender-based violence.
