Parole of Ex-Cop Who Murdered His Children Put on Hold for Review

In a significant development that has stirred both legal fraternities and public sentiment in Cape Town, the planned parole of Marius van der Westhuizen, a former police officer convicted of murdering his three children, has been postponed for a comprehensive review. After serving 13 years of a 24-year sentence, van der Westhuizen's release from Malmesbury Prison was interrupted just as it appeared imminent.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, explained that the decision to halt parole was based on protocol and necessitated a thorough examination by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board (CSPRB), an entity led by a judge and formed by members from the National Council of Correctional Services. This step follows Section 77(1) in the Correctional Services Act, granting authority for parole reviews under specific circumstances.

This turn of events aligns with widespread concerns over the fairness of van der Westhuizen's potential release. Charlotte van der Westhuizen, the murder victims' mother and ex-wife of the convict, spearheaded a campaign to raise funds for legal and psychological support aimed at opposing the parole. Through her emotive pleas and a detailed Victim Impact report, Charlotte has highlighted the disproportionate nature of the parole system and its devastating impact on victims and their families.

Activist groups, including Action Society voiced by Kaylynn Palm, have welcomed the review. They advocate for a life sentence for van der Westhuizen, stressing the gravity of his crimes and the consequent trauma inflicted upon the family. Such sentiments resonate with a broader call for justice within the South African community, one that seeks to honor the lives tragically cut short and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences.

The review by the CSPRB has suspended any previously scheduled parole date, allowing a necessary pause and reevaluation of the process leading to parole decisions. The department affirms its commitment to fairness and justice, which will guide the review and any subsequent actions.