Dr. Peter Nagel, a prominent Dutch Reformed Church minister and theology lecturer at Stellenbosch University, has been permanently removed from his ministerial role following allegations of indecent behavior and sexual misconduct involving a relative. Nagel is under criminal investigation after his first cousin accused him of grooming and sexually abusing her during her teenage years. The woman, now residing in the UK, alleges the abuse began in 1993 when she was 14 years old and escalated over two years. Nagel initially denied the allegations but later admitted guilt during the church's disciplinary hearing. Despite his admission, Nagel denied any misconduct during his teenage years. The church found his recent behavior sufficient grounds for dismissal. The complainant filed a criminal case with South African police.
A prominent Dutch Reformed Church minister and theology lecturer has been permanently removed from his ministerial role following allegations of indecent behaviour and sexual misconduct involving a relative.
The complainant, now residing in the UK, alleges that the abuse began in 1993 when she was just 14 years old. Nagel, then 18, reportedly initiated inappropriate interactions, including showing her pornography and engaging in sexually suggestive behaviour. She claims the abuse escalated over two years, with Nagel allegedly sharing her sleeping bag, pressing his body against her, and coercing her into sexual acts without her consent.
The woman came forward in 2024, submitting a formal complaint to the church alongside WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Nagel in March 2023. The messages, which contained sexually explicit language, were described by the church as an attempt to ‘revive, reactivate, or continue’ an inappropriate relationship. Nagel initially denied the allegations but later admitted guilt during the church’s disciplinary hearing, leading to his permanent removal from the ministry.
The complainant, unsatisfied with the church’s internal process, filed a criminal case with South African police shortly after the hearing concluded. She expressed concerns that failing to report the abuse would make her complicit in potential future harm to others. ‘Even if he only abused me, that still makes him a predator,’ she said. ‘He shouldn’t be in a position of power, especially not as a lecturer.
SEXUAL ABUSE CHURCH MINISTER SOUTH AFRICA INVESTIGATION
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