Scores of children have fled the controversial Central Methodist Church in downtown Johannesburg amid allegations of sexual abuse.

The children, most of whom crossed the border from Zimbabwe to South Africa unaccompanied by adults, are taking refuge in shelters across the city.

One child confessed that she has been traumatised by her experiences at the church saying that many of the young girls were being abused.

She also described how young girls were being coerced into performing sexual favours for their teachers.

“One of the teachers said I’ll buy you toiletries. A girl in that place - toiletries are gold. He abuses you and then he buys you toiletries.”

The girl and several other children have told Eyewitness News that some adults, at the church, were playing on their vulnerability and desperate circumstances by buying the children necessities including toiletries, clothes and food.

For many of them it is a difficult choice.

“You can’t report it because if you report it who’s going to buy you toiletries again?”

Many of these children have since left the church and are receiving counselling.  

By Staff reporter and agencies