Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences is investigating a case of statutory rape after a pastor allegedly raped a 16-year-old member of his congregation.
The accused, Pastor Deon Govender from Destiny Community Church (DCC) appeared at the Chatsworth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 29 January, where police confirmed that he was granted bail of R1 000.
Captain Cheryl Pillay, communications officer of SAPS Chatsworth, said: “On 29 January, Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences arrested a 50-year-old suspect for Statutory Rape. The victim is a 16-year-old female who was a member of a church in Chatsworth.”
She said that the accused will reappear at the Chatsworth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 5 March.
The mother of the victim who is traumatised and shocked by the incident said that this incident only came to light after her daughter attempted suicide by overdosing on 26 December.
“When she attempted suicide, my daughters phone was locked however I noticed a WhatsApp pop-up message from the pastor which did not sit right with me. She spent six days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and was discharged on New Year’s Eve. We are taking my child to counselling and praying as a family as this has affected my family spiritually. The accused used to be in and out of my house and we shared a close relationship but little did we know he had other intentions. We have fellowshipped at this church for the past four years,” she said.
The mother of three said that their life will never be the same and they are still trying to pick up the pieces. She said that the accused told her that he needs the teenagers’ help with church work and told her it is better for her daughter to be involved in church than the things of the world.
“I am experiencing a tsunami of emotions because I used to send my child and I did not know what she was going through. According to people in my community, the accused says that they were in a boyfriend girlfriend relationship. My child is a minor, the accused has a wife and two children who are older than my daughter. My daughter is still suicidal and I am a heartbroken mother. Justice should be served,” the distraught mother said.
Reverend Cyril Pillay, chairperson of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum Chatsworth, said: “This is heartbreaking news for us in the community of Chatsworth. Any rumors or aspersions concerning any religious leader is distressing. I pray the long arm of the law takes its cause. I am calling all religious leaders to join me under the banner of the Chatsworth Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum based at Chatsworth Police Station. Let’s build a safer and crime free community.”
The accused’s attorney, Priyanka Naicker from P Naicker Attorneys said: “We have no comment insofar as merits of the case. My client maintains his innocence and will plead not guilty. This was stated in terms of his schedule 6 bail application, which was granted by the court.”
Tootsie Francis, director of SA Outreach and Emergency Services, said that she was ‘appalled’ at the news of the incident.
“It’s appalling to note that in this day and age with so much awareness against gender-based violence and femicide that victims are still falling prey to unsuspecting predators in society. Especially people of power and influence that are robbing our women and children of their innocence and think they can get away with it.
“SA Outreach and Emergency Services will make it our personal mission to ensure that the NSP pillars are enforced, mainly pillar three which highlights justice, safety and protection of all victims are implemented. We are confident that in this case the perpetrator will feel the full might of the law and justice will prevail. We are sending a strong message out to the community to report and not to stay silent,” she said.
SA Outreach and Emergency Services are based at Westcliff Secondary School and people are welcome to come through for assistance and counseling. Leisha Ramlall of Ramlall and Associates is the director of the Legal Wing and is available for legal advice and assistance. Doctor Tyrone Naidoo is the director of the Medi Wing and he has counselors, social workers etc under his wing to assist you with counseling and other issues that are GBV related. The community is advised to make use of the services provided. Tessa Naidoo, coordinator and facilitator of the outreach programme said that they are starting up a support group to help people through their issues.
For more information or to book appointments call Tootsie Francis on 063 405 2322 or 073 226 5657.
