The Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, has cancelled parole for Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, the convicted attackers of Alison Botha.

Kruger and du Toit were released on parole in July 2023, after having served 28 years of their life terms, but there was an outcry as Alison had not been informed of the decision.

The Department of Justice released a statement stating that the decision to cancel their parole follows a thorough evaluation and consultation of legal opinions.

“This decision was made in accordance with the Correctional Services Act, which empowers the Minister to cancel parole for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.”

The Department added that the Minister’s primary consideration is the imperative of protecting and securing the community, particularly in instances where acts of violence against women and children have been committed.

Both Kruger and du Toit have been reincarcerated and will remain in custody.

WARNING: The details below could upset sensitive readers

Botha survived a brutal attack by the two men in December 1994.

She was abducted, raped, stabbed multiple times, and left for dead outside Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha).

Despite her severe injuries—including a slit throat and multiple stab wounds which caused her intestines to spill out—she managed to crawl to a nearby road, where she was rescued.

Kruger and du Toit were eventually caught after Alison, miraculously, managed to write their names in the sand, before dragging herself to the side of the road.

Alison’s incredible survival and courage led her to become an inspirational speaker and author. She has shared her story in her book I Have Life and in the 2016 documentary Alison.

In October 2024, Alison suffered a brain aneurysm and is currently recovering, after brain surgery.