New hope for victims of Sizzlers Massacre

IN AN exclusive letter to the families of the victims of the Sizzlers Massacre, the Department of Correctional Services has called for convicted killer Adam Woest’s parole to be denied by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola.

Woest, believed to be imprisoned at a facility in Pretoria, is serving an effective sentence of life imprisonment, and has been deemed as showing a lack of remorse, and posing a highrisk of re-offending, according to the Parole Board.

This is what Leigh Visser, the sister, and Marlene Visser, the mother, of Warren Visser, one of the victims, have been rallying for via a petition, and several letters to Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for Woest not to be granted parole.

The nightmare is nearly over for the families who have had sleepless nights, worrying that he will be freed.

With the recommendation of Correctional Services in the bag, it could be over soon.

Woest made an appearance before

THE 0AROLE "OARD ON 3EPTEMBER LAST

year, and the recommendation was that he not be granted parole by the minister. The Parole Board observed that Woest may have the potential to commit similar crimes if released.

During the parole sitting, Woest demonstrated lack of insight and self-awareness into his criminal behaviour, and the impact of his crime on his victims. It was also noted that he was not taking full responsibility for the offences. His lack of responsibility was not consistent with someone who has been rehabilitated.

He seemed uncaring, and displayed no remorse. According to the Parole Board, the offender still poses a high risk for re-offending.

The families of other victims,

SUCH AS !UBREY /TGAAR AND 'REGORY

Berghaus, were included in the emails.

When Weekend Argus approached

Marlene Visser for her comment, she said Woest being denied parole would not bring her son back but could save the lives of other potential victims.

“He seemed to thrive on the pain and suffering of others, with no remorse. At the same time I cry for my son, Warren, and all those who died a senseless and brutal death at the hands of Woest. They will never get to enjoy life, and the joys and blessings that the future had in store for them.

“I am so grateful my amazing daughter Leigh fought relentlessly to keep Adam Woest behind bars. Warren would have been so proud of her.”

Department of Correctional Services national spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo did not respond to calls, emails and WhatsApp messages from the Weekend Argus.

Last year, Nxumalo told Weekend Argus Woest was serving nine life sentences, and was eligible for parole in

-ARCH BUT DID NOT MEET THE

requirements.

Woest, together with Trevor Theys, was sentenced for nine murders and other serious charges at a gay massage parlour in Sea Point.

The Weekend Argus has since learnt

THAT 4HEYS DIED IN WHILE IN PRISON

due to health issues.

The two were convicted of nine counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery, and the possession of ammu

NITION 4HEY HAD TIED UP MEN SHOT them and slit their throats.

The victims were Warren Visser,

!UBREY /TGAAR 3ERGIO DE #ASTRO 3TEPHANUS &OUCHE *OHAN -EYER

Gregory Berghaus, Travis Reade, Timothy Boyd and Marius Meyer.

/TGAAR HAD BEEN THE OWNER OF THE

parlour. The motive behind the killings is believed to be a botched robbery, but it remains a mystery.

The sole survivor, Quinton Taylor, who miraculously survived despite a bullet to the head, previously told

Weekend Argus that Woest should not be granted parole.

Lauren Budde, the niece of Aubrey

/TGAAR SAID THE $EPARTMENT OF #ORrectional Services had failed to keep in communication with families. “We want to know what is the next step from here if the parole board has recommended he be denied parole.

“Is it up to the minister?

“No one has come back to us; there has been no communication.

“They have a system in place but they do not know how to utilise it.”