A pastor was charged for the rape of a 11-year-old boy and appeared at the Chatsworth Court where he was denied bail recently.
Meanwhile investigations are continuing in a separate incident after a three-year-old toddler was allegedly sexually assaulted by her grandmothers boyfriend.
Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating a case of rape and a case of sexual assault.
Captain Cheryl Pillay communications officer of SAPS Chatsworth said, it is alleged that a three-year-old minor was sexually assaulted by a relative in the Westcliff area. “Chatsworth FCS investigators have engaged the assistance of the Forensic Social Workers in this matter due to the age of the minor and sensitivity thereof with investigations continuing.
“In a separate case, on Saturday, 15 March, a relative reported to the Bayview Police that a 11-year-old child was allegedly assaulted by a spiritual leader from the community. On Wednesday, 19 March, the 54 year old accused handed himself over to police. The accused appeared before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court on Thursday, 20 March on charges of sexual assault where bail was successfully opposed. The accused is remanded to Westville Prison until his next appearance.”
“The accused is a pastor from Bayview who is now charged with the rape of a 11-year-old boy child, initially opened as a sexual assault case. This office can confirm that the accused has a previous conviction where he was found guilty for unlawfully and sexually violating a complainant receiving a suspended sentence of five years.
“It is alleged that in February 2018, at various places in the Chatsworth Policing Precinct, the accused sexually assaulted a victim (16-year-old boy). The accused was arrested by Chatsworth FCS and placed before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court where he was found guilty,” Captain Pillay said.
The spiritual leader was identified as Pastor Michael Chetty and he will reappear at the Chatsworth Magistrates Court on Thursday, 27 March.
“Chatsworth FCS can assure the public that investigators remain committed towards protecting women and children in society. Investigators must work within the ambits of the law where alleged perpetrators must be placed before the criminal justice system for trial. Police will investigate to ensure that justice is served,” Captain Pillay said.
Pillay assured the public that Chatsworth FCS investigators remain committed to protecting women and children. She emphasised that investigators must work within the bounds of the law, ensuring alleged perpetrators are brought before the criminal justice system for trial. Police will continue their investigation to ensure justice is served.
Brandon Pillay, from the Bayview Community Police Forum and the Bayview Ubuntu Community Centre, said: “Children must be protected. We condemn any acts of abuse or assault on women and children. We advocate for the end of gender-based violence and femicide and we are deeply disturbed by the recent reports of sexual assault involving young children. As a society, we owe it to them to protect them and to give them a voice. Our message is clear: children must be protected at all times. We encourage parents and guardians to be involved in their children’s lives, to ask uncomfortable questions, and to ensure they speak to their children about their right to personal boundaries and that no one has the right to touch them. As a community, we are failing our children. We need to be more engaged in their lives.”
Tootsie Francis, director of SA Outreach and Emergency Services, expressed their solidarity with the victims.
“We are unwavering in our stance—we will not tolerate our children being hurt. I have recently noticed that families are being groomed by perpetrators before the minor is targeted, which makes it easier for the perpetrator to gain the child’s trust. This is becoming increasingly common, and today, we cannot trust anyone. Our offices are always open to assist families with counselling or legal advice through our legal wing. These services are free, and communities should take full advantage of them. As a rape survivor, I will ensure that we, as a gender-based violence organisation, stand with victims, regardless of age, colour, or religion,” she said.
Vanessa Samuel-Chetty, director of The Hope Foundation, added: “As a GBV activist for many years, I have sadly witnessed an alarming rise in sexual assault cases in our community, with perpetrators preying on younger victims. We need to move beyond the message of ‘stranger danger’, as this only creates vulnerability for victims who know their abusers. These perpetrators must be imprisoned so that our children can feel safe again. Gender-based violence is a fight we must all join.”
She continued: “Any religious leader who abuses their position of trust and authority to violate their congregants must be held accountable. Creating safe spaces in religious organisations must never be compromised, and I applaud the brave victims who come forward to speak out about these horrific crimes. Such violations will not be tolerated.”
Reverend Ethan Ramkuar, director of the Survival Centre NPO, has also called for action.
“I urge all religious organisations, political parties, and civic groups to gather at Chatsworth Court this Thursday, 27 March to protest and say no to bail for this pastor. He has allegedly been sexually grooming children for years, and this has been covered up. As an organisation, we stand firmly against bail and call for the harshest punishment under the law. Join us in numbers and stand up against these evils in our society,” he said.
