Convicted sex pest pastor accused of raping boy, 12

He was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2019 and he was given a 3-year suspended sentence

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

A SEX pest pastor from Chatsworth, who was convicted of sexual assault six years ago, has been arrested for the alleged rape of an 12-year-old boy from his congregation.

The 54-year-old pastor, who runs a church from an outbuilding in Bayview, was convicted in May 2019 for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy in 2018. He received a three year suspended sentence.

Last Wednesday, the pastor handed himself over to police amid protests and death threats from the community.

He appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court on Thursday on charges of sexual assault and rape. He is expected to apply for bail later this week.

It has been alleged the pastor 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.

His attorney, Priyanka Naicker, said he intended on pleading not guilty. She declined to comment on his previous conviction.

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.