Angry residents and community leaders have gathered outside the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court, to protest against a Bayview pastor accused of rape, being granted bail.
The 54-year-old pastor handed himself over to police last week.
In 2019, the pastor was previously convicted for the sexual assault of a minor and given a three year suspended sentence.
He has now been charged for the rape and sexual assault of a boy, 12, from his congregation.
He is expected to apply for bail today.
Brandon Pillay, chairperson of the Bayview Community Policing Forum, said the community did not want the man released back into society.
He said there were delays in the man’s court appearance due to outstanding documents in the docket.
“We are upset and we demand that this case receives the attention it deserves. The Bayview police station commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Shenlatha Raghoonundan, has been hands-on and she has secured the missing documents required for the bail hearing to continue,” Pillay added.
He said he hoped that the community’s call for the man to remain behind bars until the finalisation of his trial, was heard.
According to the charge sheet, the pastor had molested the boy from October 2024, and groomed him kissing and fondling him.
In February this year, he allegedly raped the boy.
It has been alleged the sexual assault and rape occurred at the pastor’s home in Bayview.
This is a developing story.