Bayview pastor accused of sexually assaulting boy

A well-known pastor, who was previously convicted of sexual assault against a minor, has once again found himself in the dock facing the same deplorable charges, in relation to accusations of grooming, fondling, and molesting a 12-year-old boy in the Bayview flats.

The pastor whose identity is known to the Rising Sun, handed himself over to the police, after allegedly evading arrest, while in fear of what the community would do to him if he returned to his home.

According to the child’s mother, the family had been attending the accused’s church around July 2024, which was operating from an outbuilding in the heart of Bayview.

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“Shortly after, he started taking my child to his house, and eventually, he asked my son to stay the night. I was sceptical, but I thought that he (my child) was lacking a caring father figure, so we allowed it. He stayed there in September 2024 and thereafter on weekends. The pastor brought him home late during this time. In December 2024, we tried to convince my son that he should spend this holiday time with us, and his family, but he spent most of his days there. He was hardly home as he stayed over. During this period, the accused would bring my child home, but would not allow him to stay or for us to talk to him alone,” the distraught mother claimed.

The family claims that the first time they feared for the 12-year-old, was when he complained of pains emanating from his genitalia in January.

“We took him to the clinic. When we asked him, he lied, telling us that a boy at school had kicked him in that area. The truth came out in March. He went to another relative’s home and the pastor called through that person’s cellphone. On the other line was the pastor telling him how much he missed their cuddles. We started digging into it, and eventually, the truth came out. He said this mostly happened in the night when it was quiet. When he stayed over, they shared a bed, he gave my son a bath and from what we know, terrible things were done to him,” further alleged the 40-year-old.

The family alleges that these disgusting acts occurred on multiple occasions, and they expect multiple charges. Last Tuesday is when things came to a head in the community, with the community dividing in favour of their pastor and in favour of the victim.

“His family (the accused), were claiming that he did nothing to the child, but he went into hiding when the police were involved. The pastor’s brother went to his home, packed things, and left the building. All this was done in his police uniform. He could have contaminated the scene, or removed evidence from the scene. After this, a mob gathered, broke into the accused’s home, looted it, and damaged what they could. During this time, those who are on the pastor’s side beat me while I held my two-year-old child in my arms,” she further alleged.

The communications officer at Chatsworth SAPS, Cpt Cheryl Pillay, confirmed that the Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating the case.

“On March 15, a relative reported to the Bayview police that a child was allegedly assaulted by a spiritual leader from the community. On March 19, the 54-year-old accused handed himself over to police. The accused appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrates Court on March 20 on charges of sexual assault. Bail was successfully opposed. The accused was remanded to Westville Prison until his next appearance. This office can confirm that the accused has a previous conviction where he was found guilty of unlawfully and sexually violating a complainant. He received a suspended sentence of five years. It is alleged that in February 2018, at various places in the Chatsworth policing precinct, the accused sexually assaulted the victim, a 16-year-old boy. The accused was arrested by Chatsworth FCS and placed before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court where he was found guilty,” explained Cpt Pillay.

Chairman of the Bayview CPF and community leader, Brandon Pillay, is also working closely with the police to ensure that there are little to no bumps on the road to justice.

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“Children must be protected. As the Bayview Community Police Forum and the Bayview Ubuntu Community Centre, we condemn any acts of abuse or assault on women and children as we are advocates for and against GBVF. We are very disturbed by the recent reports and allegations of sexual assault or harassment. This is a minor child and as a community, we owe it to the child to protect him. We must stand up and give him a voice. It takes a village to raise a child – what are we raising if we cannot protect our children? We encourage parents and guardians to get involved in their children’s lives and ask the not-so-comfortable questions, always ensuring that they speak to their children about no one having the right to touch them. As a community, we are failing our children. We need to be more involved in their lives. It takes every one of us to rise and be accountable. I am reminded of what the magistrate stated in the Baby X matter in the high court. The magistrate said, ‘As a society, we have failed this child’,” he expressed.

The Chatsworth FCS, on the other hand, is assuring the public that investigators remain committed to protecting women and children in society.

Police will investigate to ensure that justice is served.