Bail Granted for Chatsworth Pastor Accused of Rape, Sparks Disappointment

Posted on April 25, 2024
by Yashmika Dukaran

A Chatsworth youth group has expressed its disappointment over the granting of bail to a local pastor accused of rape. The 31-year-old, who faces charges of assaulting a 14-year-old girl, was released on R5,000 bail on Monday.

During his arrest last month, authorities seized cell phones and laptops from the man's home. Previn Vedan from the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre voiced concern for the victim, stating, "Sexual assault and exploitation of minors are crimes that have no place in our society. We trust that our justice system will ensure a fair investigation into these allegations."

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the victim's well-being throughout the legal process, adding, "I also believe that South African laws are clear on the protection of minors from such acts."