66-Year-Old Chatsworth Man Faces Child Rape Charges

A 66-year-old Chatsworth man with a previous child rape conviction now faces fresh allegations of assaulting a ten-year-old child in his Crossmoor apartment. Abdool Kader Yusuf, who evaded police for nearly a month before his September arrest, is currently seeking bail despite strong opposition from law enforcement and child protection advocates. The case has sparked urgent calls for community awareness and stricter handling of repeat sexual offenders.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on August 13 when the victim was playing at a sports area in Crossmoor. The young girl and other children visited Yusuf’s apartment, where the accused reportedly sent the other children to a nearby tuck shop before assaulting her. This calculated approach has raised concerns about predatory patterns targeting vulnerable children in community settings.

Captain Cheryl Pillay, spokesperson for Chatsworth SAPS, confirmed that Yusuf remained at large for several weeks before his arrest on September 30. The suspect now remains incarcerated at Westville Prison pending his bail application hearing in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court. The investigating officer from the Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses unit has formally opposed any bail granting.

Community sources reveal that residents were unaware of Yusuf’s previous conviction, allowing him unrestricted access to children in the area. The victim reportedly comes from the nearby Rafia Road Informal Settlement, highlighting how socioeconomic vulnerabilities can increase children’s exposure to predators. This information gap has prompted serious questions about community safety mechanisms.

A local source explained the dangerous dynamic that often enables repeat offenses in impoverished communities. “When cases of child rape are kept hidden, it is often due to parents being compensated to stay silent,” the source stated. This financial coercion in struggling communities means many assaults go unreported, leaving predators free to reoffend without community knowledge.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Childline KZN director Adeshini Naicker expressed strong opposition to bail for previously convicted offenders facing new allegations. “The protection and well-being of children should always take precedence,” Naicker emphasized. She noted that returning a repeat offender to a tight-knit community creates significant risks and instills fear among residents concerned about child safety.

Naicker highlighted the particular danger in closely connected communities where offenders exploit trust and familiarity to target vulnerable children. She urged parents, caregivers, and neighbors to maintain vigilance and report suspicious activities immediately. The organization’s 24/7 toll-free helpline provides advice, abuse reporting mechanisms, and psychosocial support for affected families.

Yugen Pillay, chair of the Chatsworth Community Policing Forum, advocated for severe sentencing in cases involving repeat child sex offenders. “We support the State’s opposition to bail and believe they have a robust case against the accused,” Pillay stated. The forum chair emphasized that keeping convicted offenders incarcerated represents the most effective protection for community children.

This case follows another recent high-profile denial of bail in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court. Three months ago, 54-year-old pastor Sithambaram Michael Andrew Chetty from Bayview was refused bail after facing allegations of raping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy from his congregation. Chetty had previously been convicted of sexually assaulting another boy from his church.

The pattern of repeat offenses by previously convicted individuals has intensified calls for better community notification systems and stricter bail conditions for sex crimes against children. Advocacy groups argue that without proper safeguards, convicted predators can easily re-enter communities and identify new victims through established trust relationships.

Legal experts note that South Africa’s bail considerations require courts to balance individual rights against community safety interests. However, in cases involving previous convictions for similar offenses, the presumption often shifts toward denying bail unless exceptional circumstances exist. The current case will test how courts apply these principles to protect vulnerable community members.

As the bail hearing proceeds, community organizations continue mobilizing to support victims and strengthen protective networks around children. The case has underscored the critical importance of transparent justice processes and community awareness in preventing sexual predators from repeatedly victimizing children.