Three decades after her brutal rape and assault, Alison Botha is fighting for her life again. And this time, it’s because of the trauma incurred by her attacker’s parole release.
The Port Elizabeth woman recently suffered a brain aneurysm due to the stress and anxiety of living among the two men who left her for dead.
Last year, Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger were given an early releaseafter their 1994 attack on Alison, which left her disemboweled and near-decapitated.
Miraculously, she survived the horrific ordeal and shared her story through her biography, I Have Life, and award-winning documentary Alison.
ALISON BOTHA SUFFERS BRAIN ANEURYSM
In a social media post, Alison Botha’s loved ones revealed that she suffered a brain aneurysm in recent weeks. The brave rape survivor – whose 1994 attack made headlines around the world – is in high care in hospital and is barely responsive.
Alison’s attorney, Tania Koen, who has also represented the families of gender-based violence (GBV) victims like Reeva Steenkamp and Leigh Matthews, shared an update with The South African.
She said: “We are anxiously awaiting news [from a neurosurgeon]. But will only know in the next two or three weeks
“Alison experienced high-stress level after [her attackers] release, which has caused her lots of anxiety.”
Last year, Koen stated that Frans du Toit and Theun Kruger posed a danger to society. She also advocated for their parole should be set aside.
Her comments relate to Pretoria High Court Judge Chris Jansen, who handed the men life sentences without the possibility of parole in 1995. During his judgement, he said, “I needed to make it clear they were a threat to society and should never be released.”
Images via Facebook: @AlisonABC
However, this was overturned when the Department of Justice and Correctional Services announced in October 2004 that all prisoners would automatically become eligible for parole after serving 25 years in prison.
According to Alison, she was not consulted in the parole process, but she was notified of the men’s release via telephone call.
DONATIONS FOR MEDICAL CARE
Alison Botha’s family is appealing to the public for assistance with her medical bills, as she does not have medical aid and is currently not earning an income via her motivational talks.
Now a mother-of-two and in her 50s, Alison’s location at an undisclosed public hospital is being withheld out of fear for her safety.
A trust account has been set up for donations to assist Alison and her family.
Donations can be made to Nedbank Trust Account No 1302230492. For international donations, include SWIFT code NEDSZAJJ.)
SHOULD ALISON BOTHA’S ATTACKERS BEEN GRANTED PAROLE?
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