Chatsworth Child Rapist Abandons Bail After State Reveals Long Criminal Record

Chatsworth Child Rapist With Long Criminal Record Abandons Bail Bid

A 66-year-old Chatsworth man, already convicted of child rape, has abandoned his bid for bail after prosecutors exposed the full extent of his criminal history, five pages long.

A Shocking Return to the Dock

Abdool Kader Yusuf, who was out on parole at the time of the alleged assault, appeared at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court last week facing fresh charges of raping a 10-year-old girl. The incident allegedly took place in August when Yusuf lured a group of children to his flat in Crossmoor, a close-knit residential area where neighbours often know one another’s routines.

Prosecutors say Yusuf invited several children to his home from nearby sports grounds. Once inside, he reportedly sent some of them to the tuckshop and kept one little girl behind, where he allegedly committed the assault.

He was arrested in September following community outrage and ongoing investigations by local authorities.

State Pushes Back Against Bail

During his scheduled bail hearing, Yusuf’s Legal Aid attorney, Ms Cele, told the court that after reviewing the State’s case, he chose to abandon the application altogether. State prosecutor Thamandri Kengan-Narainsamy confirmed that the prosecution was firmly opposed to bail, citing the severity of the allegations and Yusuf’s criminal past.

Kengan-Narainsamy revealed that Yusuf had a “string of previous convictions” and had only completed his last sentence also for rape in November 2024. Investigators are still conducting interviews, including with the young victim, to strengthen the case.

Yusuf had provided an alternative address in Phoenix, but officials were unable to verify it, raising further red flags.

Community Shock and Media Spotlight

The case has stirred strong reactions in Chatsworth, where residents say they are tired of repeat offenders being released only to commit new crimes. Social media users have echoed similar sentiments, calling for tougher parole conditions and more transparent monitoring of convicted sexual offenders.

At a previous hearing, Yusuf objected to media outlets publishing his photograph, claiming it could endanger his family. But the court ruled in favour of the press, arguing that the public’s right to be informed outweighed his concerns, especially given the potential for more victims to come forward.

A Pattern of Abuse and a Question of Accountability

Yusuf’s long record, including multiple rape convictions, raises deeper questions about parole oversight and the justice system’s handling of repeat sexual offenders. Despite prior imprisonment, his reoffending while on parole highlights a troubling gap in supervision, one that continues to endanger vulnerable children in communities like Crossmoor.

As the investigation continues, the State has expressed hope that more survivors might come forward, ensuring justice is finally served for those silenced in the past.

{Source: IOL}

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