Charlotte Van der Westhuizen, a serving Luit. Col. and survivor of domestic violence, tragically lost her three children to her abuser, also a Luit. Col. in the police. After being sentenced to 42 years imprisonment, he has served 12 years and is now eligible for parole. The parole hearing is scheduled for 13 December 2023. We urgently request colleagues and X colleagues to support her call.

In South Africa, gender-based violence remains a critical issue requiring immediate attention. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. In South Africa, over half of all women face some form of violence. Despite these alarming statistics, perpetrators are often granted parole, posing a continued threat to victims and diminishing the severity of their crimes.

We firmly believe that individuals committing gender-based violence should not be granted parole. This stance serves as a deterrent and communicates society's unequivocal condemnation of such reprehensible acts.

We appeal to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in South Africa to revise current laws governing parole eligibility for those convicted of gender-based violence crimes. This adjustment would be a crucial step toward justice for victims and the creation of safer communities throughout the country.

Kindly endorse this petition if you support the notion that no perpetrator of gender-based violence should receive parole in South Africa.