Alison Botha’s attorney, GBV activists shocked at attackers’ release

The parole release of Alison Botha’s attackers – who committed one of the worst gender-based violence attacks in South Africa – has angered many South Africans.

And speaking out is Alison’s attorney Tania Koen, who has also represented the families of GBV victims like Reeva Steenkamp and Leigh Matthews.

Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger were given an early release last week after spending 28 years in prison. The duo were sentenced to life in prison after they committed the heinous act in 1994.

The Port Elizabeth woman was brutally raped and stabbed in an attack that left her disemboweled and near-decapitated.

ALSO READ: ‘Day I thought would never come’: Alison Botha on attacker’s parole

ALSION BOTHA’S ATTORNEY: ‘HER RIGHTS HAVE BEEN DISREGARDED’

Speaking to The South African, Tania Koen claimed that while parole is a privilege to many offenders, it should not have been granted to Alison Botha’s attackers.

She said: “Every offender is entitled to be considered for placement on parole after serving the minimum portion of their sentence. If they show remorse, are rehabilitated, and don’t pose a danger to society… the Minister does not have much choice.

“However, Alison’s rights have been disregarded,  and as such, the parole should be set aside.

ALSO READ: ‘Injustice’: Outrage after Alison Botha attackers granted parole

She added: “Personally, I think they still pose a danger to society based on what the trial court said.”

Koen is referring to Pretoria High Court Judge Chris Jansen, who handed the men life sentences without the possibility of parole. During his judgement, he said, “I needed to make it clear they were a threat to society and should never be released.”

However, this was overturned when the Department of Justice and Correctional Services announced in October 2004 that all prisoners become eligible for parole after serving 25 years in prison.

GBV ACTIVISTS SPEAK OUT

Meanwhile, multiple GBV activists have condemned the release of Alison Botha’s attackers.

Mara Glennie, CEO and founder of Tears, told IOL, “This is not just about Alison. This is about all the Alisons out there. It’s about the women and children who do not have a voice.

“These two men committed a heinous crime, and they should never have been eligible for parole.”

Women For Change’s Sabrina Walters also released a statement.

It read: “Women For Change is shocked and dismayed that these two men, who callously and horrifically attacked Alison, showing no respect for her life or remorse for their actions, are being allowed back into South African society.

“It is evident that sexual violence is rampant within South Africa. The government and the Department of Correctional Services have repeatedly shown that they are neither willing nor capable of protecting the public from violent offenders.”