- Action Society has expressed outrage over the parole granted to former policeman Marius van der Westhuizen, who served 13 years for the 2006 murder of his three children.
- The organisation fears this decision sets a dangerous precedent and argues that his crime warrants a life sentence.
- Despite his reported participation in rehabilitation programmes, Van der Westhuizen’s release has been met with strong opposition from his ex-wife Charlotte, who continues to grapple with the loss and trauma.
Civil rights organisation Action Society expressed their outrage over the parole granted to former policeman Marius van der Westhuizen after spending 13 years in jail for the murder of his children.
Van der Westhuizen, then acting station commander at Claremont Police Station, in 2006 shot his three children in front of his wife Charlotte at their home in Brackenfell.
In his third attempt to freedom, Van der Westhuizen appeared before the Parole Board and Correctional Supervision (CSPB) at the Malmesbury Correctional Centre last week where he was granted parole as of 31 July.
He will be released under parole conditions for 10 years.
At the time of the tragic incident on Friday July 28 of that year, Van der Westhuizen shot 16-year-old Bianca who was disabled, five-year-old Marius and 21-month-old Antoinette in their beds with his service pistol.
Earlier he had confronted Charlotte, also a police officer, demanding of her to choose between her job and her family.
Charlotte had returned home from work later than usual that evening having picked up one of the children from crèche.
After shooting the children he locked her up in another room of the house before leaving.
He was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison. Charlotte later broke the silence on the years of emotional abuse she had suffered at his hands.
Dangerous precedent
Action Society stated that it found this development “not only deplorable”, but fears that it might set a dangerous precedent going forward.
“Fathers and police officers should be men of honour, duty and courage. They should keep their families and communities safe instead of attacking them like the very people they vow to protect them from. We cannot, in good conscience, support this awful decision,” stated head of Action Society’s Action Centre Kaylynn Palm.
“He is a child murderer, and should remain behind bars. Thirteen years for the death of three innocent children and a lifetime of trauma for a mother is insulting; what he did warrants life in prison. It is very concerning that crimes against children are still not taken as seriously as it should, especially given the fact that this type of crime has reached unprecedented levels in recent times,” concluded Palm.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, said the decision adhered to Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which outlines the minimum sentence period to be served before parole is considered.
Van der Westhuizen reportedly accepted responsibility for his crimes and has participated in therapeutic and other rehabilitation interventions.
“The other victims (family and friends) were involved in the parole-hearing process and have been informed of the CSPB’s decision. Prior to his release, Van der Westhuizen will attend pre-release programmes to help him transition to life after incarceration. Upon his release, he will complete the remainder of his sentence under community corrections, monitored according to parole conditions. His sentence is set to expire in September 2034,” said Nxumalo.
