Action Society 'delighted' as parole overturned for cop who killed his three children

On Thursday 15 August the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board overturned a decision to place convicted killer Marius van der Westhuizen on parole.

Van der Westhuizen, a former policeman based at the Claremont police station, was convicted in 2011 of killing his three children, aged 21 months, five years and 15 years.

The murders occurred in 2006, while he was married to fellow police officer Charlotte van der Westhuizen. According to News24, the murder took place at the couple’s home in Brackenfell, following an argument where he demanded she choose between her career or her family. 

He had only served 13 years in prison when he applied for parole. He was due to be released on parole on 31 July. 

In June, he was granted parole on his third attempt by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, reported as EyeWitness News – which had distressed Charlotte. 

Within days, this decision was taken up for review by the Department of Correctional Services, with the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board overturning the decision.

Civil society organisation Action Society, which has been vocal against the parole placement, said it was delighted and welcomed the revocation of Van der Westhuizen’s parole. 

“Perpetrators (and convicts) of violence against children should not be considered for parole; in fact, we often argue that they should face the longest punishment possible without the option of parole at all,” said Juanita du Preez, a project coordinator. 

Du Preez added that they were “cautiously optimistic” that the revoking of parole would become the norm. 

“Too often, we see – in the cases we are involved with, as well as others – offenders receiving parole and then reoffending. The same goes for suspects receiving bail for vicious offences against children and women,” she said. 

“We hope that the reinstatement of Van der Westhuizen’s remaining sentence serves as a warning to other would-be parole applicants. Action Society – and South Africans – will never keep quiet in the face of wrongdoing. We will continue to gather public support to ensure monsters stay where they belong – behind bars,” added Du Preez. 

On Thursday, Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, welcomed the decision.  “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 review and reform our parole system to protect the most vulnerable of our society,” the minister said. DM