A Chatsworth-based pastor and his son were both found guilty of assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm following an altercation with a man and his wife at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in December 2020.

Reverend Silvanus Ebenezer Venkatsamy (54) and his 24-year-old son, Tiras Reu Ebenezer entered into a plea agreement with the state and received a sentence of a R10 000 fine or six months imprisonment, which sentence was wholly suspended for five years on condition that neither man is convicted of the crime again during this period.*

The court heard that on December 5, 2020, the first accused, Venkatsamy, was at his kiosk at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

The complainant, Ashley Joseph Sigamoney, his wife, Cordelia Naidoo, and their child, were walking through the mall. As they passed the kiosk, there was a short exchange between Sigamoney and Venkatsamy, which led to Venkatsamy striking Sigamoney on the face with a clenched fist twice.

At this point, mall security officers intervened, escorting the accused, the complainant, and his wife to the security office at the mall to be questioned on the altercation. While in the security office, Venkatsamy assaulted Naidoo by pushing her.

While still in the security office, the second accused, the pastor’s son, entered the room and began assaulting Sigamoney, striking him on the face with a clenched fist.

The accused admitted to the charges, entered into a plea bargain with the state and were found guilty on all charges.

Both accused showed remorse about the incident and pleaded guilty in order not the waste the court’s time.

Sigamoney said:  “I would have liked him to have received jail time. Shortly before he assaulted me, I had my kidney removed. As a result of the surgery, I was in a weakened state and could not defend myself. He knew this when he attacked me. However, I am happy that justice has been done and they have been exposed for who they really are.”

Reverend Venkatsamy declined to comment on the matter.

*Editor’s Note, Corrections and Apology: This story has been amended on May 11. The excerpt, or sub-headline, previously indicated that the pastor and his son each had to pay a fine of R10 000 or face imprisonment of six months. In truth, however, the sentence has been wholly suspended for five years (subject to the duo not committing these crimes again). Whereas the original report indicated that the victim resides in Phoenix, this inaccuracy has been removed. The incorrect allegation that the reverend also faced a charge of gender-based violence has been removed from this report. North Coast Rising Sun apologises sincerely to Reverend Venkatsamy for these mistakes, and herewith corrects them.