Women For Change is demanding no parole for Norman Afzal Simons, who is accused of murdering 22 children between 1986 and 1994.

Norman Afzal Simons, known as the ‘Station Strangler’, was suspected of being a serial killer after the bodies of 22 boys were found in shallow graves in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, between 1986 and 1994.

However, Norman Afzal Simons was only found guilty of kidnapping and killing Elroy van Rooyen, 10, and in 1995 was sentenced to 25 years for murder and ten years for kidnapping. After a failed appeal bid, his sentence was increased to life imprisonment. As of now, he has served 28 years of this sentence behind bars.

According to a “Daily Voice” source, it was revealed that Norman Afzal Simons has been granted parole and will be released on 20 July 2023.

Last year, SA Human Rights Commissioner Chris Nissen, along with prison rights activists, called for Norman Afzal Simons to be released, saying he had done his time. Three years ago, however, the Department of Correctional Services said Simons was deemed a danger to society.

Women For Change are appalled that a man, who is alleged to have murdered 22 children, will be rereleased into our society.

We believe that parole is a privilege, not a right!

This man was only sentenced for the murder of one child, which means there are 21 unsolved murder cases. Twenty-one families have lost their children but have no answers or closure yet.

There have been many calls for these cases to be reopened and reinvestigated. Michael Jacobs, Mitchells Plain United Residents Association deputy chairperson, argues that the State should be compelled to reopen these cases, especially considering the advances in DNA technology, which would allow for more conclusive evidence and perhaps some real justice for these children and their families.

With so many unanswered questions over the deaths of the other 21 boys, there should be no discussion of parole! Norman Afzal Simons should never be a free man again – Life in prison should mean LIFE IN PRISON!