DCS orders review of decision to release Griekwastad murderer on parole

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has ordered a review of a decision to grant the Griekwastad convicted murderer on parole.

The Griekwastad murderer – as he’s known – was convicted of killing three members of the Steenkamp family.

Deon, Kristel and their daughter, Marthella, were shot in their home in the Northern Cape in 2012.

The Griekwastad murderer cannot be named in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act because he was a minor at the time of the crime.

In August 2014, the teen was sentenced to 20 years in prison for each of the three murder counts and for rape.

At the end of last year, the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board in Upington approved the offender’s parole placement with effect from March 2026, until the expiry of his sentence on 13 March 2034.

Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo explained: “Following careful consideration of the matter, the Minister has resolved that the decision be subjected to a review process in accordance with the provisions of the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998.”

The parole decision is suspended pending the outcome of the review by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board, which is required to consider the full record of proceedings and either confirm or substitute the decision.