He appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court last Thursday on charges of sexual assault and rape. It has been alleged Chetty had molested the boy from September 2024, and groomed him by kissing and fondling him at his Bayview home.

In February this year, he allegedly raped the boy. Brandon Pillay, chairperson of the Bayview Community Police Forum (CPF) and director of the Bayview Ubuntu Community Centre, said he was notified of the incident by the boy’s family last week.

“A case was opened. Word of the incident spread through the community and residents were angry. When the police arrived to arrest the suspect he was not at home.

“The community then protested outside his house, demanding his arrest and removal from the community. It was almost 48 hours later, when he handed himself over to the police. This was after much persuasion from other ministers and family members,” Pillay said.

“The allegations are of a serious nature and we call upon the judiciary to act in the best interest of the victim and the community.

“As a community and society we must protect our children at all times. The Bayview CPF and the community at large strongly condemn any acts of abuse on our children. As a community, we will always stand with victims and survivors,” said Pillay.

He praised Bayview SAPS station commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Shenlatha Raghoonundan, for her hands-on approach in executing the arrest.

“This has restored the faith that the community has in the police,” he added.

Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KZN, said they were deeply concerned by the allegations.

“The fact that these charges have been brought against a convicted sexual offender, raises concerns about the need for stronger systems to protect children from harm.

“At Childline KZN, we believe every child has the right to live free from harm and abuse. When those in positions of trust, such as religious leaders, fail to uphold this responsibility, it not only violates that trust but also puts vulnerable children at risk. We strongly condemn any act of abuse and call for the continued protection of all children within our communities.

“We also urge the authorities to ensure that those convicted of child abuse are closely monitored and managed to prevent further harm. This includes ensuring that those on the sexual offender register, if applicable, are properly supervised,” she said.

Reverend Cyril Pillay, head of the eThekwini Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum in Chatsworth, said the allegations had caused devastation in the religious fraternity.

“This is a heart wrenching act by a so-called religious leader. The incident had devastated the religious fraternity and caused uproar in our community. This is an unpardonable offence. We as the authentic religious community are absolutely appalled and disgusted with the pastor’s unacceptable behaviour. We stand with the victim and his family in support and solidarity with the Bayview community.”

Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal police, said: “Detectives from the Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) arrested the 54-year-old suspect for rape. An 11-year-old victim was reportedly raped by the suspect this year.”

THE POST

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Watch VideoWATCH: Convicted sex pest pastor accused of raping boy, 12, abandons bail application

WATCH: Convicted sex pest pastor accused of raping boy, 12, abandons bail application