Outrage as killer pastor Keith Bird eyes early release

Keith Bird, the former Mitchells Plain pastor serving a 50-year prison term for murder and multiple rapes, is seeking early release on health grounds, prompting renewed anguish among the families of his victims, Daily Voice has reported.

Bird, 51, began a Victim-Offender Dialogue (VOD) process at Drakenstein Correctional Centre, where he is incarcerated. The development has raised fears that he may be positioning himself for parole, despite having served only a fraction of his sentence.

Candice van Reenen, regional spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), declined to comment on the specifics of the VOD. She said such processes are confidential to safeguard victims.

“Victim-Offender Dialogues are internal processes. As a means to protect victims, information on these processes are not disclosed,” she said.

For the families affected by Bird’s crimes, the news has reopened deep wounds.

Ellen Bardien, sister of murder victim Aniesa Bardien, described feeling anger and disbelief at the prospect of Bird’s possible release. She said her sister, who was in her thirties at the time of her death, had her whole life ahead of her.

“I felt angry, hurt and scared. I don’t think this justice system is right,” she said, adding that the trauma remains ongoing.

One of Bird’s surviving victims also attended a recent VOD session. She recounted how Bird had contacted her through social media in 2014, leading to an encounter that left her traumatised.

She said she had initially believed the session would focus on an apology, but was unsettled when parole was mentioned during discussions. According to her, Bird’s demeanour left her fearful.

“I feel safe for now that he is still in prison, but I am worried if he does get parole,” she said.

Activist Felicity George, who accompanied the survivor, alleged that Bird showed no genuine remorse during the session. She described him as manipulative and accused him of expressing regret only for being incarcerated.

Community leaders have since mobilised in opposition to any potential early release. A petition spearheaded by activist Joanie Fredericks is calling for Bird to remain behind bars.

“If we allow a convicted serial rapist and double murderer to be slowly prepared for release behind closed doors, we betray every survivor,” the petition states.

The petition urges the Department of Correctional Services, the Western Cape Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services to provide written confirmation that Bird will not be considered for early release at this stage.

It also calls for all surviving victims and affected families to be formally registered under Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act. This would ensure they receive written notification of any VOD sessions, parole hearings or changes to Bird’s status.

In addition, the petition demands counselling and psychological support for victims involved in dialogue processes, as well as reforms to ensure that participation in VOD sessions is voluntary and properly managed.

Bird was sentenced in 2019 in the Western Cape High Court following a plea agreement. He admitted to two counts of murder, seven counts of rape, four counts of crimen injuria and theft.

The murder convictions relate to the 2013 killings of Aniesa Bardien and 20-year-old Sharvonne Sharnice Koense. Court records show that both women were strangled, and Koense was also raped.

As the parole debate intensifies, survivors and families say their primary concern remains safety and justice — and ensuring that their voices are heard in any future decisions.

IOL News