Should individuals who commit acts of violence against women, including murder, be granted the privilege of parole? This question has come to the forefront in South Africa, particularly following the release on parole of former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius, who served half of his sentence for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013.
South Africa faces a significant issue with femicide and violence against women. A study by the University of the Free State revealed that in 2020, a woman died at the hands of her intimate partner every eight hours on average. Furthermore, according to the United Nations in 2019, South Africa ranked among the top five countries with the highest rates of the murder of women.
Given the severity of the issue, advocates argue that exceptions should be made to the country’s standard rules regarding early release for those convicted of these crimes. Michael van Niekerk, the founder of Keep the Energy—an organization focused on raising awareness about violence against women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa—strongly opposes granting parole to those responsible for gender-based violence and murder.
The release of Oscar Pistorius has elicited a visceral reaction from Mr. Van Niekerk, who views it as a disheartening development. He contends that individuals convicted of such crimes should not be allowed parole. In addition to the alarming number of women murdered, South Africa also grapples with exceptionally high rates of rape. For instance, in a three-month period between July and September of the previous year, over 10,500 rape incidents were reported to the police.
Mr. Van Niekerk emphasizes his concern by pointing out instances where individuals released on parole went on to commit similar crimes repeatedly. The debate surrounding the early release of offenders convicted of violence against women underscores the broader challenge South Africa faces in addressing and preventing gender-based violence.
Chrispin Phiri, the spokesperson for the justice ministry, addresses the widespread misunderstanding of the nature of parole, emphasizing that it does not equate to absolute freedom. According to Phiri, the primary purpose of parole is to rehabilitate offenders and guide them back into society. He asserts that the notion that perpetrators should not be granted parole stems from a misconception that it signifies complete freedom, which is not the case.
Phiri clarifies that Oscar Pistorius, recently released on parole, will be under authorities’ monitoring for five years until his sentence expires in 2029. During this period, Pistorius will have to adhere to specific conditions, such as restricted hours at home and a prohibition on alcohol consumption. He is also required to attend therapy sessions, including programs addressing gender-based violence. These measures are designed to reassure individuals, including the mother of the victim, Reeva Steenkamp.
However, not everyone is satisfied with the parole system. Mbali Pfeiffer Shongwe, a 24-year-old activist and survivor of gender-based violence, expresses frustration with the lack of empathy for victims in the parole scenario. Shongwe argues that individuals convicted of serious crimes, including murder, rape, assault, theft, kidnapping, and public violence, should not be eligible for parole. She emphasizes the need for full sentences to be served as a basic form of respect for victims.
While there are varying opinions on the matter, some believe that it is appropriate for Pistorius to no longer be in prison. An anonymous 25-year-old woman contends that Pistorius has served his time, undergone rehabilitation, and is not a threat to society. She acknowledges that Pistorius will face challenges due to his notoriety, whether inside or outside of prison. June Steenkamp, the mother of the victim, did not oppose her daughter’s killer being freed, stating that no amount of time served will bring Reeva back, and those who remain behind are serving a life sentence.
Many individuals, like 25-year-old law graduate Palesa Muano Ramurunzi from the University of Cape Town, believe there is a broader issue at play. Ramurunzi expresses frustration at the pervasive violence against women in South Africa, emphasizing that the call to deny parole for those convicted of gender-based violence is not meant to diminish other forms of violence but to address an urgent crisis.
Ramurunzi conveys a sense of hopelessness in her voice as she discusses the prevalent entitlement that some men harbor toward women’s bodies. The constant threat of violence, including the possibility of being killed, connects the experiences of many women in South Africa, creating a devastating common thread.
The tragic fate of Reeva Steenkamp, illustrated in her final Instagram post, serves as a poignant example of the pervasive danger faced by women. In the post, Steenkamp condemned the killing of 18-year-old Anene Booysen, who had suffered a brutal assault, rape, and murder. The caption reflected Steenkamp’s acknowledgment of the privilege of waking up in a safe home and urged others to speak out against rape in South Africa. The subsequent murder of Steenkamp less than two weeks later overshadowed the headlines, illustrating the alarming frequency with which such tragedies occur.
Mara Glennie, the founder of Tears, a domestic abuse helpline in South Africa, highlights the deeply ingrained nature of femicide in the country, describing it as entrenched in institutions and traditions. Despite South Africa having some of the world’s highest levels of violence against women, Glennie argues that the existing laws are failing to adequately protect women. Even government initiatives, such as task forces and promises, have struggled to make a significant impact over the years.
According to Glennie, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed a commitment to taking action against the pervasive issue of femicide, acknowledging it as an assault on humanity. However, the grim reality is that the threat of violence permeates every aspect of women’s lives in the country, creating new fears with each reported case. Public spaces, including the post office and parks, as well as the sanctity of one’s own home, become areas where women must be hyper-vigilant but never entirely safe.
Mbali Pfeiffer Shongwe echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that even after surviving an episode of violence, South African women are constantly on guard, anticipating the possibility of future incidents. The pervasive nature of gender-based violence in South Africa underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and effective measures to address and eradicate this deeply rooted issue.
