South African woman Sihle Sibisi, one of the victims invited by the BBC to testify against the late TB Joshua, currently mourns the sudden loss of Tshepang Khanyisile Seleke, affectionately known as ‘TK,’ her 10-year-old daughter, who passed away a couple of days ago.
This news comes just weeks after Ms. Sibisi’s appearance on the controversial BBC documentary about the late Nigerian televangelist, Prophet TB Joshua.
Sibisi is one of the dozens of victims of abuses committed by the late TB Joshua while he led the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). During the interview with BBC Eye, Sibisi accused the late TB Joshua of assaulting her over the 14 years she spent at the Synagogue Church of All Nations.
“I have committed three abortions during my 14 years of staying at the synagogue,” recounted one of his victims.
“We were taken into this secret room in the medical department where you would either be given concoctions to drink to evacuate the baby or things would be inserted into your private parts to remove whatever was inside, and at times you do not even know if it’s your womb they are removing. Some even almost lost their lives during the abortion process,” she testified in tears.
“The god [TB Joshua] I was introduced to is evil and diabolic. Because it was the same god that would beat us up, maltreat us, torture us, manipulate us, and rape us. You have no idea what I went through,” Sibisi cried out.
During the interview, Sibisi accused the prophet of not only raping her but also manipulating her, forcing her to stay at SCOAN against her wishes.
Her daughter, whom many referred to as a jovial and lovely girl, passed away under strange circumstances with no report of any illness.
While details surrounding ‘TK’s’ passing are still unknown, many diehard followers of the controversial, self-acclaimed prophet have attributed it to what they described as ‘karma’.
“It’s rather unfortunate that karma is catching up with Sihle by taking her daughter’s life. It’s painful. This is what happens when you touch God’s anointed,” said a Facebook user.
“I think karma is catching up with Sihle. She is paying for bearing false witness against TB Joshua. May her daughter’s soul rest in peace,” added another user.
Why the social media backlash?
Sibisi has been used and called all sorts of names after information on her daughter’s death surfaced. Despite receiving harsh criticism from many, Sibiss has gained the support of some people who are standing strong behind her without placing blame.
Given that Sibisi was not the only person the BBC interviewed, some people think it is absurd to invoke karma in such an unfortunate situation.
“It is wrong to say it is karma befalling this woman. Her appearance on the BBC should not be used against her because she was not the only one interviewed. The death of her child should not be associated with that,” a user commented.
“It is funny how humans judge easily. No one really knows who Prophet TB Joshua was, and more than 30 people cannot come out to lay false accusations, especially people who were close to him,” she added.
“I think it’s rather unfortunate what happened to her daughter, but people have to stop with their judgements,” said another.
Society isn’t kind to victims
Sibisi is not the sole survivor of abuse facing backlash for speaking out. Cheryl Zondi has endured a similar ordeal involving a Nigerian pastor in South Africa.
In 2023, Zondi, one of the victims of the rape-accused televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso, broke down in tears in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha while recounting her harrowing experiences. Now 28, Zondi has consistently shared her alleged rape encounters that began when she was just 14 years old.
Zondi wonders why victims frequently receive criticism from society, which should ideally provide protection, as she testifies about her experiences from 2010 to 2015, allegedly at the hands of Omotoso.
“After sharing your story, despite the support received, you also face a form of punishment from society. Suddenly, you find yourself judged for how you dress or express your sexuality. It’s perplexing because, after experiencing sexual assault, society questions your right to be a sexual person,” Zondi revealed during an exclusive interview with DW.
The 65-year-old Nigerian pastor and leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church faces 63 charges, including rape, trafficking in persons for sexual purposes, sexual assault, and racketeering. Despite the Hawks’ April 2017 arrest, there have been numerous delays in his trial, including the appointment of a new prosecutor and judge.
The BBC eye-opening investigation, which aired in three parts with over a million views, has revealed to the world the dark side of the late prophet, which many did not know. Leaders of the church have dismissed all the accusations, describing them as “baseless and unfounded.”
Sibisi and her family still have not commented on all the social media accusations against her. The circumstances surrounding the death of her daughter are still to be revealed.
