South Africa: Optimystic Bikers against Abuse has started an online petition (http://chng.it/SmbhVh44) to be submitted to the Parole Board on 24 March 2020 to show that public opinion is against Bob Hewitt obtaining parole.   

Should Ninow, the convicted ‘Dros’ Rapist, be granted parole when he becomes eligible in the future? Would Tazne still have been alive today if her alleged killer had not been granted parole? Should Bob Hewitt (convicted of raping two 12 year olds) after having served only 3 1/2 years of his 6 year sentence, be granted parole?  As an organisation we are raising our voices in opposition to Mr Hewitt obtaining parole because:

1. Hewitt was 42 when he raped and sexually assaulted 12/13 and 17 year olds. He received a reduced sentence due to his age – his age has accordingly already been taken into account. 
2. Hewitt has not taken accountability for his actions nor has he in any way shown remorse for his crime. 
3. Serving only 3 1/2 in prison for rape and sexual assault of minors makes a mockery of our justice system.  It shows little to no concern for the human rights and trauma suffered by his victims. In a country torn apart by gender based violence and sexual offences this is an untenable and unacceptable situation. 

We will leave the petition open for signatures until 1 pm on 23 March 2020. 

We are calling on all organisations in the GBV space and all concerned citizens who share our views to sign this petition and use their voices where doing so has a real, practical purpose. 

The petition has been undersigned by Tears Foundation.

For further information please contact:

Celeste Louw

Optimystic Bikers against Abuse (088-292-NPO)

www.optimystic.za.net

071 427 0187

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Optimystic Bikers against Abuse is a human rights organisation making a difference in the lives from a grassroots level by hands-on assistance, advocacy, skills development and victim empowerment programmes including: ·   

• walking a path to healing with our survivors with a “no survivor left behind” attitude from crisis to healing, ·  
• raising awareness and educating around issues of domestic violence, child abuse and other human rights violations,·  
• networking and co-operating with multidisciplinary teams and coalitions to create real and sustainable social change.