The state of South Africa’s justice system has once again been scrutinized after the Department of Correctional Service confirmed that the man who was found guilty of murdering Swedish tourist Anni Dewani in 2010, has been granted parole on Friday, 18 March.
Dewani’s body was found with a gunshot wound to the neck in an abandoned car in Khayelitsha on November 14, 2010. Reports at the time suggested that Dewani and her husband Shrien had been hijacked while on their honeymoon in Cape Town.
Shrien survived the ordeal and would later be accused of allegedly orchestrating the murder, however, the case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Also read: Taxi driver in Anni Dewani murder has parole withdrawn day before release
According to the Department, Zola Tongo, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to Dewani’s murder, held a victim and offender dialogue with the Hindocha family on Thursday.
The department stated that the parole board weighed up all the factors as the decision was centred on the facts of consistent positive good behaviour, as well as participation in rehabilitation programmes, as per IOL.
“The completed rehabilitation programmes include anger management, a combination of life skills and substance abuse.
“The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board took the following decision to place the offender on parole from June 21, 2022, to June 6, 2028,” the Department said.
Meanwhile, Zonga will be placed under strict house arrest for 12 months but would be allowed to seek employment while undergoing social work and psychological treatment, Times Live reported.
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