Mitchells Plain community mobilises against killer pastor Keith Bird’s parole bid

A fierce battle is underway to keep convicted Cape Town killer pastor Keith Bird behind bars after he applied for early release despite serving only seven years of a 50-year sentence.

Bird was sentenced in 2019 for a series of murders, rapes and thefts in the Mitchells Plain area.

He is now seeking release on medical grounds, arguing ill health.

But community activists and investigators involved in the case say the convicted killer pastor remains a danger to society and must not be freed.

Community campaign against parole

Mitchells Plain activist Joanie Fredericks is leading efforts to mobilise opposition to Bird’s release.

Fredericks has been working with the families of Bird’s victims.

She said the community would fight any attempt to release the killer pastor.

“There is no way that man is coming out, not after everything that we’ve done to get him behind bars,” Fredericks said.

“He’s going to stay there no matter what it takes us to do.”

Bird has served less than 15% of his 50-year sentence.

The parole board must now consider his application.

‘A master manipulator’

Fredericks described Bird as a ‘master manipulator’, warning that many people once trusted him because he presented himself as a man of faith and a respected community figure.

She said even years after his conviction, some still struggle to believe the crimes he committed.

“That is what makes him so dangerous, because he’s a master manipulator,” Fredericks said.

She also argued that prison healthcare means Bird should not be released for medical treatment.

“There is no reason why he should be outside to receive treatment for whatever sudden illness he has,” she said.

“The murdered women did not have the opportunity to say their last goodbye to their loved ones.”

Former detective warns Bird is still dangerous

Former detective Carlo Antha, who helped investigate the crimes that led to Bird’s conviction, also warned against releasing the killer pastor.

Antha said from the start of the investigation, he recognised Bird’s ability to manipulate people.

“You were sitting with a manipulator, a person who can control anybody,” he said.

Antha said Bird maintained a calm, professional appearance while committing violent crimes.

When investigators eventually arrested him, Antha recalled a chilling remark.

“He said one thing with a smile: ‘You are the ninth detective who’s coming for me. No one can prove that I have killed my fiancée.’”

Antha said Bird never claimed innocence; only that it could not be proven.

‘A danger to society’

Antha said Bird’s behaviour and psychological profile indicated a highly intelligent and manipulative offender.

“He’s definitely a serial killer, and he’s a manipulator, and he’s a narcissist,” he said.

Asked whether Bird should be released on medical parole, Anthony was unequivocal.

“He is currently a danger to society.”

Bird’s application for release will be considered by the parole board as opposition from the Mitchells Plain community continues to grow.

For more information, listen to Fredericks and Antha using the audio player below: