‘Station Strangler’ to be released from jail: Victim’s family oppose
The family of then 10-year-old Elroy van Rooyen is opposed to the release of Norman Afzal Simons, also known as the ‘Station Strangler’, after spending 28 years behind bars. The Department of Correctional Services announced that Simons will be released on Thursday, 20 July. Simons was convicted of the kidnapping, rape and murder of Van […]
The family of then 10-year-old Elroy van Rooyen is opposed to the release of Norman Afzal Simons, also known as the ‘Station Strangler’, after spending 28 years behind bars. The Department of Correctional Services announced that Simons will be released on Thursday, 20 July.
Simons was convicted of the kidnapping, rape and murder of Van Rooyen in 1995. He was accused of the rape and murder of 21 other boys and burying them face down in shallow graves, however police could not link Simons the bodies.
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On Sunday, Correctional Services met with the community of Mitchell’s Plain to discuss his imminent release from jail. The department reassured the community that Simons will be under strict conditions. However for the victim family, his release has opened up old wounds.
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Van Rooyen family spokesperson Zorah Motasi, says the family is not coping with the news of his release. The family says they were only told of his release two weeks ago.
“We feel that the justice system is failing us as a community. Leadership needs to fight for the interests of the community especially vulnerable groups and not a perpetrator that did the most horrible things to young boys and we must accept that this guy will be released” says Mohasi.
“Although the decision has been taken, we are opposed to the decision and that decision was not in the best interest of the victims family,” she added.
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