Priest accused of sexual abuse gets bail

By Gia Kaplan
Eyewitness News
February 18, 2014

http://ewn.co.za/2014/02/18/Priest-accused-of-sexual-abuse-granted-bail

JOHANNESBURG - Leaders of various catholic churches in Pretoria say their members have been left completely shaken following allegations of sexual abuse against a local priest.

The priest was granted bail by the Pretoria Magistrates Court yesterday. 

He was arrested on Friday after a family claimed that his conduct towards one of their children was inappropriate.

He has since been barred from preaching as the police investigation commences./strong /strong Father Chris Townsend says he is offering support to those who are struggling to come to terms with the claims.

“The reaction has been very sad. A lot of people are very angry, shaken and upset. Some are saying it’s impossible while others are saying they don’t know what to do going forward.”

Meanwhile, Gauteng police arrested a 53-year-old pastor earlier this month for being in possession of child pornography.

He was allegedly in possession of naked images of young girls on his cellphone./strong /strong The man has already appeared in court and will appear again on 5 March.