CAPE TOWN - Khayelitsha bishop Xolani Mbeka has been accused of sexually assaulting female worshippers and his bail hearing has been postponed.
The state has added more charges, including attempted murder.
Mbeka is accused of sleeping with young women from his church, claiming it was spiritual healing.
Some of the alleged incidents date back to 2021, when the victims were minors.
Protesters were outside the courthouse on Wednesday, demanding that the Bishop remain behind bars.
Mbeka was initially picked up last month on assault and rape charges, and this was supposed to be his bail application hearing.
The 50-year-old bishop is accused of preying on vulnerable people, claiming he can heal troubled children, but only if they have sexual relations with him.
Church leaders in Khayelitsha say they're disappointed and embarrassed.
They're calling for an emergency meeting with other religious figures to work out ways to respond to this issue.
The matter is set to return to court on 13 February.
The state says that it would oppose bail because this is a Schedule 6 crime.