Urgent call for reforms in criminal justice system for repeat child sex offenders

COMMUNITY leaders in Chatsworth are demanding urgent reforms in the criminal justice system to address reoffending child sex offenders being “quietly” let back into communities after being let out on parole.

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

“We welcome that the State is opposing bail for Abdool Kader Yusuf, who preyed on young children from his community.  There should be harsher sentences for child rapists. If these criminals remain in prison for offences they are convicted of, they will have no chance of hurting other children. Child offenders must be kept away from communities,” Pillay said.

Rocky Naidoo, spokesperson for the Bayview Community Policing Forum, said bail should be opposed for  all child sex offenders.

“When they are released on bail, child sex offenders are put back into communities, away from the victim. But they are still allowed near children. We find that most of them who are out on parole commit the same offence. In the case against repeat child sex offender Sitham Baram Michael Andrew Chetty, we protested against bail on every court appearance.

“We are also calling for the court to deny bail for Abdool Kader Yusuf, who is also a repeat child sex offender asking to be let back into a community. We do not want him in any community.

“It is worrying that people are unaware of predators living in a close-knit community. How can parents not allow their kids near these monsters, when they do not know that they are sex offenders,” Naidoo added.

He said it was becoming common for child sex offenders to live among children as people often protect the offender.

“We have a fiduciary duty to ensure our children are safe and kept away from these predators. There is no place for these predators in our communities. They need to be behind bars, away from society. 

“We are calling for the National Sex Offenders Register to be made public immediately so that we know who these predators are. The continuous delays hinders protection of our children,” Naidoo added.

Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, said they were deeply 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.

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