More than a year after the convicted attackers of Alison Botha were released, the pair is back behind bars following the cancellation of their parole.
This follows a bold move by the newly elected Minister of Correctional Services, Dr. Pieter Groenewald, who confirmed that he exercised his ministerial powers to cancel the parole of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger.
The men abducted and gang-raped Alison in 1994 before repeatedly slitting her throat and disemboweling her.
It is understood that they were re-arrested at their respective homes on Monday afternoon.
The news comes in the wake of Alison's recovery after she had an aneurysm on 25 September last year.
Speaking via her attorney Tania Koen after hearing the news, Alison said she was relieved and it felt like she could breathe again.
Koen said Alison was very surprised.
"She has asked me to thank the Minister who is prioritising the safety of the community."
Koen also said the move was a victory not only for Alison but for all victims.
"We want to express our gratitude and respect to Minister Groenewald and his team for making an informed decision after carefully considering the law.
"We do believe that it is the right decision," she said.
In a statement, the Ministry of Correctional Services said Groenewald's decision followed thorough evaluation and consultation of legal opinions. They stated that the decision was made in accordance with the Correctional Services Act, which empowers the Minister to cancel parole for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.
"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 individuals have been reincarcerated and will remain in custody," they said in the statement.
In Koen's capacity as the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation she welcomed the decision, adding that especially since the Minister's primary consideration is protecting the community, particularly where acts of violence against women and children have been committed.
"We believe it's long overdue."
