No bail for pastor accused of preying on boys

A BAYVIEW pastor, previously convicted of sexual assault, has had his bail application denied as the court cites community safety concerns and lack of exceptional circumstances.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

Convicted sex pest pastor Sitham Baram Michael Andrew Chetty, 54, who allegedly preyed on an 11-year-old from his congregation, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

He has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of the boy.

It has been alleged that 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.

Chetty was previously convicted of the sexual assault of another boy from his congregation.

He appealed to the court for his release in a fresh bid for bail two weeks ago.

Chief magistrate Mazibuko Dlamini said in her bail ruling on Friday that the court was of the view that no exceptional circumstances were shown by Chetty’s defence attorney, Priyanka Naicker.

It was, therefore, not in the interest of justice to release him on bail, she said.

“The applicant (Chetty) has become well known since the date of his first court appearance. He was on national TV and in the newspapers.