Marius van der Westhuizen, the former high-ranking officer at Claremont SAPS convicted of murdering his three children 17 years ago, has been granted parole after serving 13 years of his 24-year sentence. His release is scheduled for July 31, 2024, with conditions set by the correctional supervision and parole board.
Van der Westhuizen’s tragic crime shocked the nation in 2007 when he fatally shot his children — 21-month-old Antoinette, five-year-old Marius, and 16-year-old Bianca. The incident was reportedly a response to his wife Charlotte’s decision not to quit her job and become a stay-at-home mother, defying his ultimatum.
The parole decision follows his appearance before the parole board, where it was determined that he would undergo pre-release programs and be under the supervision of the Department of Correctional Services’ community corrections office until September 2034.
Charlotte van der Westhuizen, who broke her silence last year ahead of the second parole hearing, expressed her anguish, stating, “He murdered my children to punish me because I didn’t listen to him.”
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Candice van Reenen confirmed that the family of the children has been informed about Marius van der Westhuizen’s upcoming release.
The parole decision has sparked public debate and renewed calls for justice, underscoring the sensitivity and complexity surrounding cases of domestic violence and crime within law enforcement ranks.
