Convicted Chatsworth rapist arrested for allegedly raping 10-year-old girl

A 66-YEAR-OLD convicted child rapist from Chatsworth, who allegedly lured his victim to his Crossmoor flat and raped her, is applying for bail this week.

Community leaders and child protection organisations are opposing his release, citing concerns for children's safety and calling for stricter sentences for repeat offenders.

Abdool Kader Yusuf was arrested in September for the alleged rape. He had evaded police for a month. It has been alleged that Kader lured her to his flat while she was playing in the grounds near his home with other children from the community, in August.

He is expected to appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday) for a formal bail application.

Captain Cheryl Pillay, spokesperson for Chatsworth SAPS, said the investigating officer from the Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences was opposed to bail.

“The accused had a previous record of rape. It is alleged that on August 13, 2025, a 10-year-old victim was playing at a sports ground in Crossmoor when she proceeded to the accused’s flat with other children.

“While at the flat, the accused sent the other children to a tuckshop when he raped the child. The accused evaded police. However, he was arrested on September 30. The accused will remain in custody at Westville Prison until his next court appearance,” Pillay said.

A source from the Crossmoor area said nobody had been alerted to Yusuf’s previous conviction and he was allowed to be near children in the community.

“He was not on our radar as a threat,” said the source. He said the victim was from the nearby Rafia Road Informal Settlement.

“When child rape cases are kept hush, it is largely due to parents being paid off to keep quiet. This leads to us, the community, being in the dark about child predators.

“In a community where poverty is rife, this is not uncommon. Most people are living below the breadline and money is enough to keep their mouths shut.

“Sadly, many child rapes which occur in the area are not reported or recorded as part of the crime statistics. The names of such predators must be for public record or more children will suffer a similar fate. If this suspect had been exposed after his previous offence, the rape of the second child could have been avoided,” the source added.

Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, said they were concerned about this case.

“A convicted child rapist facing new charges should not be granted bail, as the safety and well-being of children must always come first. Releasing a repeat offender into a close-knit community, such as a block of flats, poses a serious risk to other children and causes fear among residents.

“Cases of sexual abuse in close communities are increasingly worrying, as offenders often exploit trust and familiarity to target vulnerable children. Childline KZN urges parents, caregivers, and neighbours to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behaviour immediately, and support children in speaking out. Our 116 toll-free helpline is available 24/7 for advice, reporting abuse, and psychosocial support,” Naicker added.

Yugen Pillay, chairperson of the Chatsworth Community Policing Forum, said they were calling for the suspect to face life imprisonment with no chance of parole.

“We welcome that the State is opposing bail, and it seems that they have a strong case against the accused. If offenders remain in prison for offences they are convicted for, they would have no chance of hurting other innocent children. Child offenders must be kept away from communities,” Pillay said.

Three months ago, pastor Sithambaram Michael Andrew Chetty, of Bayview, was denied bail in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court. Chetty, 54, allegedly raped and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old boy from his congregation in September 2024.

He was previously convicted of the sexual assault of another boy from his congregation.

POST PLUS