Daily Maverick
Dailymaverick logo

Maverick News

Maverick News

Alison Botha — small steps to recovery after aneurysm while parole for attackers faces review

Alison Botha — small steps to recovery after aneurysm while parole for attackers faces review
Marianne Thamm
By Marianne Thamm
11 Dec 2024
Facebook
9
While rape survivor Alison Botha is making good progress after suffering a brain aneurysm in September, her freed attackers might soon find themselves back behind bars.

Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger who abducted, raped, mutilated and left Alison Botha for dead on a remote beach in Gqeberha in 1994 were sentenced in 1997 to multiple life terms without the prospect of parole.

But in July 2023, after 29 years in jail, both men were freed in spite of Alison’s repeated submissions to the parole board over the years.

Botha’s legal team, Tania Koen Attorneys, subsequently submitted to the courts an application for review of the release of Du Toit and Kruger.

Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald has since undertaken to investigate how two men who were sentenced to life were released.

Worst nightmare


The release of Du Toit and Kruger created enormous anxiety for Alison who had always hung on to the hope and belief that they would die behind bars. The men had been out on parole at the time they attacked Alison and were planning another murder the following day.

On 25 September, Alison suffered an aneurysm which left her with massive swelling and potential long-term damage.

Without medical aid, she was taken up in the public health system where she received surgery, first to stop the haemorrhage and then to relieve fluid build-up on her brain.

After three weeks, Alison was flown home and was initially admitted to a step-down facility. A setback required a second surgery and Alison returned to Cape Town to reposition the shunt in her skull, which drains cerebral fluid.

Read more: Alison Botha health update — Reunited with family and fighting for recovery

She rises again


Back in rehab, friends and family have reported that Alison “got straight back to work, demonstrating incredible effort and dedication that has been truly inspiring.

“Her rehab team has even commented on her resolve and progress,” Alison’s circle of protectors posted on the Alison Inspirational Speaker Facebook page.

She was “acutely aware that the top-notch care she has received has been made possible by the overwhelming support of countless generous individuals”. 

Alison has said she has found the support “quite overwhelming”.

“For 30 years, my goal has been to share my story to encourage others. Now, facing this life-threatening event, I’ve felt your encouragement and care flooding back from you. Words can’t express my gratitude to all of you.”

Rising from the ruins


In 1997, the same year her attackers were sentenced, Alison published her book, I Have Life – Alison’s Journey, which became a publishing phenomenon selling more than 90,000 copies translated into multiple languages. 

In 2016, her remarkable courage was turned into an award-winning documentary by Uga Carlini, simply titled Alison and now being rebroadcast by Showmax.

Alison became a sought-after speaker across the globe where women face the aftermath of gender-based violence, sexual assault and rape.

Her health over the years, as a result of her neck and extensive abdominal injuries left after Du Toit and Kruger butchered her, has always plagued Alison.

The greatest highlight, she maintains, was the birth of her sons Daniel and Matthew, two “miracle” babies considering the extent of physical damage she was left with. Both are young men today. DM

A trust account has been established to assist Alison. Donations to the trust can be made to:

  • Nedbank Trust Account No 1302230492

  • Alison Trust

  • For international donations, include SWIFT code NEDSZAJJ.

  • Payee Address:157 Cape Rd, Newton Park, 6001

  • Description: Donation

  • Purpose: Gifts (BOP Code 401)

Categories:

Tags: