Convicted sex pest pastor awaits his fate

BAIL DECISION

- YOSHINI PERUMAL [e-mail]

THE Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court heard last week how authorities failed to find a safe house for an 11-year-old rape victim, his 3-year-old sibling, and their mother, who were attacked by an angry mob in support of the alleged perpetrator.

This emerged during the five-day bail application of Pastor Sitham Baram Michael Andrew Chetty, 54, last week.

Chetty was charged with the sexual assault and rape of the boy. The bail decision is expected next week.

Lieutenant-Colonel Shenlatha Raghoonundan, the station commander of the Bayview SAPS, testified that the night before Chetty’s arrest, there was a protest.

She said one group supported the victim while some members from Chet-ty’s congregation had victimised the boy and his mother, accusing them of making false allegations.

She said after she had removed the boy, his mother and younger sister from the scene, she failed to find a place of safety for them.

“I was unsuccessful in finding a place for them that night. Some of the places of safety wanted to remove the boy, and keep him away from his mother and sister. He had already been a victim and did not want to be taken away from his loved ones.

“Another facility had an outbreak of a contagious disease. I then called Brandon Pillay from the community and asked him for assistance in finding a place in the area,” she said.

Public outcry and mob justice