In a brief appearance at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court last week, Abdool Kader Yusuf, 66-year-old, the Chatsworth man accused of raping a 10-year-old girl in Crossmoor, abandoned his bail application, a move which the court granted.
He has been remanded in custody and will make his next court appearance on 27 January 2026.
At the previous application, the court heard that the State had opposed bail, arguing that the accused posed a risk to the community and that investigations were still ongoing.
Outside the court, concerned Chatsworth resident Noleen Kisten said she was relieved by the decision.
“I was very pleased and overwhelmed to hear that the accused withdrew his bail on his own for his alleged wrongdoing. I love every child as my own nephew or niece. I was at court to support the ten-year-old child and to represent the victim,” she said.
Director of Childline KZN, Adeshini Naicker said: “We continue to call for swift handling of such matters to protect the rights and wellbeing of the child involved. Every child deserves to feel safe.”
Director of SA Outreach and Emergency Services, Thevan Dhavraj, said the community must take a stand against offenders living among families and placing children at risk.
“We will not accept offenders living amongst families where our children are in danger. Offenders should be behind bars,” said Dhavraj.
He said that as the country approaches the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children this November, communities must remain alert and take an active role in protecting the vulnerable.
“We have repeatedly urged parents to watch over their children, yet every day we hear and see how our young ones are becoming victims. It’s heartbreaking. It takes a village to raise a child, but sadly that spirit of unity and care is fading,” he said.
Dhavraj added that unemployment and drug abuse continue to contribute to the rise in abuse cases involving children. He said awareness and education should not be limited to the 16 Days of Activism campaign but should be ongoing throughout the year.
He also criticised parents who accept money from sexual offenders in exchange for not opening cases, saying such actions enable abuse.
He said: “Parents who accept money from sexual offenders are no better than the offenders themselves. We urge parents and victims to visit the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) at their nearest provincial hospital, where specialised staff and members of the FCS unit are available 24 hours a day to provide assistance and support.”
Dhavraj encouraged residents to participate in the 16 Days of Activism campaign and to contact SA Outreach and Emergency Services on 063 405 2322 or 073 226 5657 for more information or assistance.
