Former Cape Town cop and child killer, Marius van der Westhuizen has been granted parole.

Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesman Singabakho Nxumalo said
Van der Westhuizen, who killed his three children 17 years ago, appeared before the Parole Board and Correctional Supervision (CSPB) on 18 June.

Van der Westhuizen was commissioner of the Claremont Police Station when he killed 21-month-old Antoinette, 5-year-old Marius and 16-year-old Bianca, to punish his wife, also a police official, for not obeying him.

Nxumalo said Van der Westhuizen was granted a parole placement date of 31 July 2024.

“This decision adheres to Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which outlines the minimum sentence period that must be served before parole consideration.”
Nxumalo said it was Van der Westhuizen’s third appearance before the CSPB, with his first session occurring in December 2022.”

“Parole was not granted at that time due to the need for further profiling. Van der
Westhuizen has accepted responsibility for his crimes and has participated in therapeutic and other rehabilitation interventions,” he said.

Nxumalo said the victims 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 programs 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.”

Van der Westhuizen’s sentence is set to expire in September 2034.