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.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

Yugen Pillay, chairperson of the Chatsworth Community Police 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 Police 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.