---
title: "Rape survivor Alison Botha’s attackers back behind bars after minister revokes parole"
description: "The reincarceration of Alison Botha's attackers has brought some relief while she recovers from health setbacks after a brain aneurysm."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY"
author: "Marianne Thamm"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/mariannethamm/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-04-rape-survivor-alison-bothas-attackers-back-behind-bars-after-minister-revokes-parole/"
published: "2025-02-04T17:10:39"
updated: "2025-05-11T14:22:03"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 438
---

# Rape survivor Alison Botha’s attackers back behind bars after minister revokes parole

> The reincarceration of Alison Botha's attackers has brought some relief while she recovers from health setbacks after a brain aneurysm.

By Marianne Thamm · Published 4 February 2025, 19:10 SAST · Updated 11 May 2025, 16:22 SAST

## Key points
- Minister Pieter Groenewald swoops in to reincarcerate the notorious duo behind Alison Botha's harrowing past, leaving them to contemplate their life choices behind bars once more while Botha herself continues to battle the demons of her health and a life redefined by resilience.
- Minister Pieter Groenewald announces the reincarceration of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, previously sentenced to life for the 1997 rape of Alison Botha.
- Their parole, granted in July 2023 without Botha's consultation, has been revoked after legal evaluations, prioritising community safety.
- Botha, who suffered a brain aneurysm in September 2024, expresses gratitude for public support and calls Groenewald "Minister for president!"
- A trust fund has been established to assist Botha with ongoing medical costs as she continues her recovery journey.

## Content

Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald announced on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, that Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, sentenced to life for their vicious attack and rape of Alison Botha in then Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in 1997, were back behind bars.

“Both individuals have been reincarcerated and will remain in custody,” said Groenewald, adding that he had cancelled their parole “after evaluation and consultation of legal opinions”.

Kruger and Du Toit were granted bail in July 2023 after serving 29 years without the consultation of Botha, who had opposed their release on multiple occasions.

**Read more:**[The woman who refused to be a victim, Alison Botha, fights for her life a second time](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-14-the-woman-who-refused-to-be-a-victim-alison-botha-fights-for-her-life-a-second-time/)

#### **Brain aneurysm**

Botha suffered a massive brain aneurysm in September 2024 that has left her coping with ongoing health issues. She has had several setbacks with regard to a permanent drain that has been inserted in her brain.

On Tuesday, Botha told Daily Maverick “Minister Groenewald for president!” after she had learnt of the news.

Groenewald said the decision had been taken in accordance with the Correctional Services Act, which empowered him “to cancel parole for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment”.

His primary consideration, he said, had been “the imperative of protecting and securing the community, particularly in instances where acts of violence against women and children have been committed”.

**Read more:**[Alison Botha health update — Reunited with family and fighting for recovery](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-27-alison-botha-reunited-with-family-and-fighting-for-recovery/)

![Convicted rapists Theuns Kruger and Frans du Toit. (Photo: Supplied | Sharpened using AI)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ILMtzegrB2XrgWwjwqndkeg5gDE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/becs.jpg)

*Convicted rapists Theuns Kruger and Frans du Toit. (Photo: Supplied | Sharpened using AI)*

#### **Worst nightmare**

The release of Du Toit and Kruger created enormous anxiety for Botha, who had always hung on to the hope and belief that they would die behind bars.

Both men had been out on parole at the time they attacked her and were planning another murder for the following day.

After Alison’s aneurysm, a trust was set up to raise funds as the sought-after public speaker was unable to work or earn an income while she recovered. She continues to receive medical assistance, thanks to a trust established in her name to cover her medical costs and rehabilitation.

The account was set up by well-wishers, and is managed by Botha’s legal team and other professionals who have stepped forward. (Donations can be made to Nedbank Trust Account No 1302230492. For international donations, include Swift code NEDSZAJJ.)

Botha said she had found the support “quite overwhelming”.

“For 30 years, my goal has been to share my story to encourage others. Now, facing this life-threatening event, I’ve felt your encouragement and care flooding back from you. Words can’t express my gratitude to all of you.” **DM**