Finger-pointing and blame-shifting by politicians will not solve the horrendous administrative failures that let dangerous criminals walk free. This follows after the murderer of Suritha Alting, Xolani Du Preez, was let out of custody along with two other criminals after appearing and receiving bail related to an attack on personnel at the institution where they were incarcerated as minors for their previous serious criminal activities. The Department of Correctional Services, its Minister Pieter Groenewald, the Western Cape Department of Social Development, MEC Jaco Londt and the Horizon Youth Centre all blame each other for this administrative blunder.
“The events have exposed the horrifying consequences of negligence in our criminal justice system,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “This is a disgraceful failure of justice and an insult to Suritha’s loved ones.”
Instead of urgently addressing how convicted criminals are slipping through the cracks and how this will be prevented in the future, politicians are engaging in bickering and blame-shifting. Action Society condemns this behaviour and demands real accountability and immediate reform.
“This is not just an administrative slip-up. It is about a convicted murderer walking the streets as a free man, continuing his life of crime. It is no wonder that public trust in the police and justice system is shattered,” said du Preez. “The current blame game is a cowardly distraction. Violent offenders are abusing loopholes to avoid justice, and the state is letting them.”
Action Society demands the following immediate actions:
- A full, independent investigation into how Du Preez and his co-offenders were allowed to disappear;
- Disciplinary action against all officials responsible for their unlawful release;
- Urgent reforms to ensure victim families are notified if offenders are released early or unlawfully;
- A public apology from all the relevant parties involved.
The South African public deserves a justice system that prioritises safety, truth, and accountability. Action Society will continue to support Suritha Alting’s family and advocate for structural reforms to prevent this type of negligence from ever happening again.
