Cape Town - The ex-wife of child murderer Marius van der Westhuizen said she was grateful that the former cop will remain behind bars.
This follows the revocation of the parole granted to Van der Westhuizen in July – which would have allowed for his release from jail – after a review of the decision following a public outcry.
The former police officer is imprisoned at Malmesbury Prison for killing his three children, Bianca,16, Marius jr, 5, and Antionette, 21 months, on July 28, 2006.
On Thursday the Department of Correctional Services released a statement confirming parole was revoked.
“The Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board has overturned the Parole Board's decision to place offender Marius van der Westhuizen on parole. This followed referral of the matter to the Review Board in terms of section 75(8) of the Correctional Services Act.
“Van der Westhuizen was convicted of the murder of his three minor children. The Parole Board decided to grant him parole, and he was due to be released on parole on 31 July 2024, after serving 13 years of his 24-year sentence.”
Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald welcomed the revocation of Van der Westhuizen's parole.
“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 in our society.”
Charlotte van der Westhuizen, a lieutenant-colonel in the SAPS, welcomed the revocation of her ex-husband's parole.
“I am extremely grateful for the positive outcome that we received on Thursday, especially seeing that we are also celebrating Women's Month. I feel that justice has prevailed, and this is a victory for all victims of crime.
“As a mother, a woman and a police officer, it is extremely important to me that the voices of all victims are heard. So much more in a country where crimes against women and children have reached epidemic proportions.
“This a fight for justice, this is a fight for Bianca, Marius jr, and Antionette and for all the Tazne van Wyk's in our country who were murdered by a parolee, and Carmen Gouws (who) was murdered on her 21st birthday, three weeks after the perpetrator received parole.”
Action Society has also supported the revocation of Van der Westhuizen's parole. In a statement it said, “Convicted of murdering his three children, Van der Westhuizen was sentenced to 24 years in prison. 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. We hope this serves as a warning to other parole applicants.”
In a video shared with the Weekend Argus Charlotte made a plea: “My husband, who was a police officer, shot and murdered my three children in front of me. After which he locked me inside the house and I had to call my colleagues to come and assist me.”
Prior to killing the children, Van der Westhuizen had given Charlotte an ultimatum, demanding she choose between her job and their family.
She found herself unable to make such a difficult decision, which ultimately became the catalyst for his murderous act.