Correctional Services Minister explains decision to review Griekwastad murderer's parole

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said the decision to review the parole decision for the Griekwastad convicted murderer is not a determination of the merits of the case.

On Wednesday, Groenewald suspended the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board’s decision to grant the parole.

The Griekwastad murderer – as he’s known – was convicted of killing three members of the Steenkamp family - Deon, Kristel and their daughter, Marthella, in the Northern Cape in 2012.

The man behind the shootings was a teen when he committed the crime.

He was convicted and sentenced to 20 years behind bars in 2014 for murder and rape.

While the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) in Upington approved his parole last year, Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the review suspends the decision pending a new one.

He said the move is a lawful step to ensure that parole decisions are subjected to proper oversight.

“The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has referred the decision of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) in Upington regarding the parole placement of the Griekwastad convicted murderer to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board for review.”