Cape police officer who killed his three children parole overturned

The Correctional Supervision and Parole review board has decided to overturn the parole of children killer Marius van der Westhuizen after he was initially expected to have been released at the end of last month.

Van der Westhuizen is serving a 24-year sentence after being convicted for the murder of his three minor children but was granted parole after his third attempt and was expected to have been released on July 31 after having served 13 years of his sentence.

SUPPLIED: Marius van der Westhuizen

The Ministry of Correctional Services said this decision was overturned after the matter was referred to the parole review board in terms of the Correctional Services Act, which was welcomed by

“Reforming our parole system is not just a policy issue but a moral imperative. Although victims of crime are allowed to participate in the parole process, financial exclusion is a deterring factor. We are committed to reviewing and reforming our parole system to protect the most vulnerable of society,” said Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald.

Van der Westhuizen, a former commander at the Claremont police station, murdered his three children, Marius, 8, Antoinette, 21 months and his handicapped daughter, Bianca, 16, on July 28 2006 in Cape Town.

The younger children were from his marriage to his former wife, while Bianca was his first child from another previous marriage.

Lobby group, Action Society, has welcomed the announcement.

We believe that those who commit violence against children should not be granted parole and should serve the longest possible sentences. We are cautiously optimistic that this decision sets a precedent. Too often, offenders receive parole only to re-offend. The same applies to suspects granted bail for heinous crimes against women and children. While we respect the presumption of innocence, we cannot allow criminals' rights to outweigh those of victims,’’ it said in a statement.

‘’We hope this serves as a warning to other parole applicants. Action Society will continue to fight for justice and ensure that those who harm others remain where they belong - behind bars,’’ it added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George