Update

GEORGE NEWS - Alison Botha's convicted rapists, Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, are behind bars again after the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, cancelled their parole.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Correctional Services this afternoon, Groenewald's decision follows thorough evaluation and consultation of legal opinions.

"This decision was made in accordance with the Correctional Services Act, which empowers the minister to cancel parole for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.

"The minister's primary consideration is the imperative of protecting and securing the community, particularly in instances where acts of violence against women and children have been committed," reads the statement.

According to the department, both men have been reincarcerated and will remain in custody.

Tania Koen, Botha's attorney, said it is a huge victory, not only for Alison but for all victims, as it sends out a serious message to society. 

"Adv Annadé Theart-Hofmeyr and I, as Alison's legal team, want to express our gratitude and respect to the Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, and his team for making an informed decision after careful consideration of the law. It is the right decision, and falls within the minister's powers," Koen said.

"Alison's first word to me was that she is relieved and she feels like she can breathe again. She has asked me to express her gratitude to the minister who is prioritising the safety of the community."

Koen also welcomed the decision in her capacity as CEO of the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation (RRSF). She said the minister's primary consideration of protecting the community, particularly where acts of violence against women and children have been committed, is especially to be lauded.

Du Toit and Kruger brutally assaulted and raped Botha in Gqeberha in 1997, leaving her for dead. She miraculously survived and became an international motivational speaker and is the mother of two children. 

Du Toit and Kruger were released on parole in  2023 under the former minister, Ronald Lamola, after serving the minimum time required of their life sentences. 

Botha is currently recovering after suffering an aneurysm last year.

Read a previous article here.

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