The man dubbed the Station Strangler, Norman Afzal Simons, will be placed under 24-hours house arrest upon his release on parole later this week. He will not be allowed to be in contact with children and can’t speak to the media without making an application to do so.
The Department of Correctional Services outlined his parole conditions at an engagement with community members in Mitchells Plain on the Cape Flats on Sunday..
Simons was charged with the murder of 22 young boys whose bodies were found buried in shallow graves between 1986 and 1994. However, he was only convicted of one murder, that of 10-year-old Elroy van Rooyen.
Simons was a primary school teacher at the time of his arrest. He has spent 28 years behind bars since his 1995 conviction.
The decision to release Simons on parole is an emotive issue, hence the Department of Correctional Services saw a need to hold an engagement with the Mitchells Plain community at the Cape Flats and various other stakeholders.
The department’s regional head, Lawrence Venter explains why Simons is eligible for parole, “This person needs to do 25 years, he’s now done already 28 years. And it’s only now after 28 years that the minister has now decided to say this person can go on parole. I know this is quite an emotive issue, but the minister only has the one conviction legally that he can consider.”
“Station Strangler” Parole | Norman Afzal Simons to be placed under 24-hour house arrest:
The Mitchells Plain Community Police Forum says there are more questions than answers relating to Simon’s case. The former grade five teacher’s actions are still causing fear among locals on the Cape Flats.
“The community is now kind of reliving the trauma that they experienced many years ago. At the same time, there are also a lot of unanswered questions in terms of many victims having no closure. There’s a bit of apprehension,” says CPF Chairperson, Norman Jantjies.
Family shocked
The family of Elroy van Rooyen is shocked by his imminent release. The victim’s family representative, Zorah Motasi, says the family has not healed from the wounds caused by Simons.
“Elroy’s brother, the family, and relatives are also not coping with the news that this guy will be released. Although the decision has been taken we are in opposition and the decision was not in the best interest of the victim’s family and the community as a whole.”
Simons will reside in the Bellville Magisterial District upon parole, and will not be allowed to leave the area. Another community engagement on his parole is due to take place in Parow later this week.
