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Convicted paedophile Bob Hewitt’s parole suspended
Bob Hewitt will remain in prison in Port Elizabeth after the Minster of Justice and Correctional Services ordered a review of the convicted paedophile’s parole.
Image by Ichigo121212 from Pixabay
Just three days after Correctional Services announced that convicted paedophile Bob Hewitt would be released on parole the Ministry of Justice have announced the suspension of that decision.
Hewitt used his position as a respected former tennis professional, coach and commentator to gain access to his victims. He was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of minors in 2015, for acts he perpetrated in the 1980s.
Lack of victim engagement
In reversing the decision, the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services noted a disturbing lack of victim engagement during the parole process.
Hewitt was set to be released from North End prison in Port Elizabeth on 23 September but that decision has now been suspended pending a review.
The review is understood to have been ordered by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola himself.
National commissioner of correctional services Arthur Fraser is tasked with reviewing the Hewitt matter with the parole board.
Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said: “Minister Lamola is of the view that it is fair and in the interests of justice that the victims and their families are afforded an opportunity to participate in the parole consideration process of the offender, as required by laws governing our parole process.
“As mandated by section 75(8) of the Correctional Services Act, referring this matter for a review with the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board will mean that a date of placement for inmate Hewitt is now suspended.”
Bob Hewitt stays behind bars
National department of correctional services (DCS) spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo has claimed that the parole board’s decision was not meant to be made public, due to an alleged failure to adhere to proper processes.
“DCS will be guided by the recommendations of correctional supervision and parole board on either to grant or deny Mr Hewitt parole at this stage.
“The offender has indeed served the minimum required time to be considered for parole by the board.
“Once the decision has been made, it will [be] communicated.”
Reports of Hewitts release emerged this week after a letter sent to one of his victims was leaked on social media.
The letter advised that Hewitt’s parole hearing was held on 23 August 2019 and that he would be released as a ‘high-risk’ parolee in September.
Hewitt’s other victims reportedly received no such communication according to lawyer Tania Koen, who represents Olivia Jasriel.
“Written confirmation was sent to one of the victims on Friday (letter dated 12 [September]) that Hewitt is being released on 23 September,” Koen said.
