Carlo Petersen20 June 2024 | 6:00

Mom distressed after husband granted parole after serving 13 years for the murder of his 3 children

Marius van der Westhuizen, who was based at the Claremont police station, was found guilty of murdering them 17 years ago.

Mom distressed after husband granted parole after serving 13 years for the murder of his 3 children

Picture: Pexels

JOHANNESBURG - The mother of three children who were shot and killed by their police officer father said she feels distressed after finding out he has been granted parole.

Marius van der Westhuizen will soon be a free man after serving 13 years in prison for the murder of his three children.

Van der Westhuizen, who was based at the Claremont police station, was found guilty of murdering them 17 years ago.

Charlotte van der Westhuizen waited until 2023 to break her silence about how her husband punished her by killing their children after she refused to quit her job and become a stay-at-home mom.

Speaking after hearing the news of Van der Westhuizen's parole on Wednesday, Charlotte shared her sadness.

"Family, friends, colleagues, Marius van der Westhuizen got parole. Thirteen years for three murders - three murders of children. So much for crimes against women and children."

Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Candice van Reenen, confirmed Van der Westhuizen's parole.

"The parole board has taken a decision to place the inmate on parole from 31 July 2024 until September 2034, when his sentence expires."

Van Reenen said Van der Westhuizen would be supervised by the department's community corrections office whilst on parole.