Latest news with #Chetty
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Confusion reigns at the NPA
In a shocking turn of events, the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Investigative Directorate (ID) is embroiled in serious allegations of prosecutorial misconduct concerning businessman, Kishene Chetty and his co-accused. The weighty accusations emerged as discrepancies in the prosecution's approach raised deeper questions about its methods, integrity, and overall efficacy in delivering justice. Chetty's legal troubles commenced on August 4, 2022, a date now marred by inconsistency. Court records reveal that the prosecution had not officially registered the case at the Pretoria High Court until a whole year later, prompting significant questions. Upon review, it appears that the court register (J546) does not show any entry for Chetty's case on that day, despite a summons issued to the alleged individuals citing a court case number (A16/351/2020) that, strikingly, was also absent from the register. The narrative becomes even more convoluted with the mention of a previous docket, Silverton CAS 335/05/2020, which had been struck from the roll, necessitating a complete restart that seemed to have eluded the NPA. Examination of court transcripts from August 4, 2020 revealed yet another layer of confusion, as they referred back to case A16/351/2020. Critics of the NPA have questioned how allegations led to Mr O'Neil Perumal, one of the accused in the Chetty case, who arrested for a separate matter, being charged and granted bail of r R5000 without a clear and registered case. Further entanglements arose on November 15, 2022, when Chetty's case finally made its way into the official court documents. However, instead of clarity, confusion reigned as Chetty's case was registered under the same number previously linked to the struck case. Compounding these anomalies, simultaneous hearings for Chetty and his co-accused were conducted at the Pretoria Magistrate Court, a situation that raised eyebrows as it appeared implausible for two cases to be heard at different courts at exactly the same time. Describing the ordeal, Chetty expressed bewilderment and frustration. 'The system is broken, we don't even know where to run to.' The duplicity of charges brought against him and his co-accused added to their mounting legal woes. 'We wrote letters to the NPA's head with no luck regarding this case. Now we find ourselves appearing in two different courts at the same time. How is that possible?' Of notable concern are alarming claims that the NPA's alleged deficiencies might stem from directives issued by the agency's head, Andrea Johnson. Reports suggest that Johnson encouraged her team to adopt a 'fake it till you make it' mentality during an internal meeting, instructing them to appear professional even when they lacked substantial documentation. 'I asked that everybody go to court, because you are a team, but I also instructed everyone to dress to the nines and carry marked file boxes, even if there's nothing in the files,' she reportedly said amid laughter, casting a long shadow over the credibility of the NPA's mission. The implications of these allegations cut deep, especially as they surface against a backdrop of ongoing criticism regarding the NPA's credibility. Chetty's case now stands as a litmus test for the organisation's integrity, with concern that the 'fake it till you make it' mentality might compromise the pursuit of justice. In the face of mounting pressure, ID spokesperson Henry Mamothame attempted to clarify the situation by asserting that it is technically feasible for the accused to appear in two different courts on the same day if they face multiple charges. However, he shockingly claimed not to know Advocate Nembulunge, who presided over Chetty's case. As the drama unfolds, the NPA finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with potential far-reaching ramifications as the public watches closely. With each revelation, Chetty's case compounds the urgent need for transparency and accountability in a system designed to protect the fundamental rights of citizens against injustice.
IOL News
19-06-2025
- IOL News
Court hears chilling details of pastor's grooming methods in bail hearing
Sitham Baram Michael Andrew Chetty at his bail hearing on Wednesday Image: Yoshini Perumal THE modus operandi of a convicted 'sex pest pastor' appealing for bail indicated that he 'strategically positioned himself in the lives of families, gaining their trust and that of their children, before he sexually groomed and eventually sexually assaulted them'. These were the closing arguments from the State in the bail application of Bayview pastor Sitham Baram Michael Andrew Chetty, 54, at the Chatsworth Magistrate's Court yesterday. Chetty is accused of the sexual assault and the rape of a boy, 11, from his congregation, on multiple occasions since September 2024. He was arrested and charged in March this year. In a fresh bail bid, which started last Thursday, Chetty told the court that he could afford bail of R5 000, and would safely reside in Phoenix, should he be granted bail. Chetty had a previous conviction of sexual assault of a minor from his congregation in 2018. State prosecutor, Dayantha Subrayadu, said after perusing the docket from Chetty's previous conviction and the new charges, there was a 'clear modus operandi.' 'Chetty strategically positions himself in the lives of the families of the victims gaining their trust and the trust of their children. The second phase of this modus operandi is to suggest that the child come with him for the purposes of church services and preaching at church or Sunday school. 'Because he is in a position of trust, the family allowed him to do so, and that is when he was able to isolate his victim he then attempted to test their boundaries and skillfully groom them before eventually sexually assaulting them. 'Both victims reached a point during the course of the sexual assault that they had enough and they are finally able to muster up the strength to confide in their family,' she added. Subrayadu said in respect of the previous conviction, the charge was sexual assault, but in this case, charges include rape. She said this brings the State to an inference that charges against Chetty hac escalated since the last criminal matter, which was his previous conviction, which only included a charge of sexual assault. Highlighting the public outrage, Subrayadu said it was clear that the public was outraged regarding the matter. 'Without us even having to leave the court building we are able to feel the outrage of the community. On March 27, Chetty was supposed to apply for bail. 'There was a big crowd of people, which included community members and leaders present before court and they continued to come to court. The State sees community members coming to court, and we think the fact that these are people who have jobs, children, and their own lives, yet they have taken the time out of their day to come to court and stand with the victim. 'This is to tell the court there is no space in society for a sexual predator and we echo the sentiments of the community,' Subrayadu added. She said should Chetty be released on bail there was a 'high likelihood' that his life would be in danger.
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Bottle Shops Caught Selling Alcohol To Minors
Article – Torika Tokalau – Local Democracy Reporter Eleven bottle shops and stores across Auckland have been caught selling booze to under-18s in the past bottle shops and stores across Auckland have been caught selling booze to under-18s in the past year. Black Bull Northcote, Simply Fresh in Hillcrest, Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Bottle O Mount Smart, Grand Food Mart in Orewa, Kowhai Liquor Centre at Warkworth, Wine and Spirits in Flat Bush, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor – had their licences to sell alcohol suspended briefly for breaching the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The stores were caught during several controlled purchase operations conducted by Auckland Council's Alcohol Licensing Unit, police and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, from last May to date. Auckland Council manager of licensing and environmental health Mervyn Chetty said there were clear expectations that anyone granted an alcohol licence will follow the rules. 'Selling alcohol to a minor is against the law,' Chetty said. 'It puts young people at serious risk of alcohol related harm including injuries and accidents.' Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Kowhai Liquor Centre, Black Bull Northcote, Wine and Spirits, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor were suspended for 48 hours. Bottle O Mt Smart was suspended for 72 hours in March, while Simply Fresh in Hillcrest and Grand Food Mart in Orewa were handed seven day suspensions in April and January respectively. Another off-licence, Good to Go in the central district, was suspended for 21 days for a series of breaches. The store had no manager on duty, failed to give notice of manager appointments, had unauthorised sale, and sold RTDs at a grocery. The suspensions have all been completed, Chetty said. Controlled purchase operations are conducted to test compliance with laws against selling alcohol to minors. 'As all licence holders will know, suspensions are put in place for first-time offenders, however repeat offences may carry greater penalties which are set out in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act,' Chetty said. 'Every alcohol licence comes with rules and conditions to support the sale and supply of alcohol in a safe and responsible manner, which will help reduce alcohol related harm.' The suspensions were handed out by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA).
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Bottle Shops Caught Selling Alcohol To Minors
Article – Torika Tokalau – Local Democracy Reporter Eleven bottle shops and stores across Auckland have been caught selling booze to under-18s in the past year. Black Bull Northcote,Simply Fresh in Hillcrest, Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Bottle O Mount Smart, Grand Food Mart in Orewa, Kowhai Liquor Centre at Warkworth, Wine and Spirits in Flat Bush, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor – had their licences to sell alcohol suspended briefly for breaching the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The stores were caught during several controlled purchase operations conducted by Auckland Council's Alcohol Licensing Unit, police and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, from last May to date. Auckland Council manager of licensing and environmental health Mervyn Chetty said there were clear expectations that anyone granted an alcohol licence will follow the rules. 'Selling alcohol to a minor is against the law,' Chetty said. 'It puts young people at serious risk of alcohol related harm including injuries and accidents.' Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Kowhai Liquor Centre, Black Bull Northcote, Wine and Spirits, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor were suspended for 48 hours. Bottle O Mt Smart was suspended for 72 hours in March, while Simply Fresh in Hillcrest and Grand Food Mart in Orewa were handed seven day suspensions in April and January respectively. Another off-licence, Good to Go in the central district, was suspended for 21 days for a series of breaches. The store had no manager on duty, failed to give notice of manager appointments, had unauthorised sale, and sold RTDs at a grocery. The suspensions have all been completed, Chetty said. Controlled purchase operations are conducted to test compliance with laws against selling alcohol to minors. 'As all licence holders will know, suspensions are put in place for first-time offenders, however repeat offences may carry greater penalties which are set out in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act,' Chetty said. 'Every alcohol licence comes with rules and conditions to support the sale and supply of alcohol in a safe and responsible manner, which will help reduce alcohol related harm.' The suspensions were handed out by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA).
Scoop
04-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Bottle Shops Caught Selling Alcohol To Minors
Eleven bottle shops and stores across Auckland have been caught selling booze to under-18s in the past year. Black Bull Northcote, Simply Fresh in Hillcrest, Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Bottle O Mount Smart, Grand Food Mart in Orewa, Kowhai Liquor Centre at Warkworth, Wine and Spirits in Flat Bush, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor - had their licences to sell alcohol suspended briefly for breaching the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The stores were caught during several controlled purchase operations conducted by Auckland Council's Alcohol Licensing Unit, police and the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, from last May to date. Auckland Council manager of licensing and environmental health Mervyn Chetty said there were clear expectations that anyone granted an alcohol licence will follow the rules. "Selling alcohol to a minor is against the law," Chetty said. "It puts young people at serious risk of alcohol related harm including injuries and accidents." Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Kowhai Liquor Centre, Black Bull Northcote, Wine and Spirits, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor were suspended for 48 hours. Bottle O Mt Smart was suspended for 72 hours in March, while Simply Fresh in Hillcrest and Grand Food Mart in Orewa were handed seven day suspensions in April and January respectively. Another off-licence, Good to Go in the central district, was suspended for 21 days for a series of breaches. The store had no manager on duty, failed to give notice of manager appointments, had unauthorised sale, and sold RTDs at a grocery. The suspensions have all been completed, Chetty said. Controlled purchase operations are conducted to test compliance with laws against selling alcohol to minors. "As all licence holders will know, suspensions are put in place for first-time offenders, however repeat offences may carry greater penalties which are set out in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act," Chetty said. "Every alcohol licence comes with rules and conditions to support the sale and supply of alcohol in a safe and responsible manner, which will help reduce alcohol related harm." The suspensions were handed out by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA).
