KEY POINTS
- Bizos sentenced for assaulting his ex-wife after nine-year case.
- Court condemns gender-based violence and lack of remorse.
- Victim and AfriForum say ruling empowers women to seek justice.
After a nine-year legal battle, Alexi Bizos, son of the late anti-apartheid lawyer George Bizos, has been sentenced for assaulting his former wife, Monique van Oosterhout.
The Johannesburg Magistrates Court ruled that Bizos must pay a R100,000 ($5,451) fine or serve one year in prison, along with six months of correctional supervision.
As part of his sentence, he must complete 20 hours of community service each month. He will serve at shelters for abused women.
The brutal attack, which took place in 2015, left Van Oosterhout with six fractured ribs after Bizos repeatedly punched her and slammed her into a bookshelf.
Despite his not guilty plea and claims of self-defense, the court found him guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm last year.
Court condemns domestic violence
During sentencing, Magistrate Tshepo Twala criticized Bizos for showing no remorse and failing to acknowledge the seriousness of his actions.
According to IOL, the court emphasized the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for strong consequences to deter future offenders.
“You cannot ignore that this was a vulnerable woman in the safety of her own home,” Twala stated. “Gender-based violence gives perpetrators power. In this case, the accused attacked the complainant because he felt his authority was challenged.”
Bizos, now 63 years old, avoided jail time due to his age. His lack of prior convictions also influenced the court’s decision.
Victim and prosecutors welcome the verdict
Van Oosterhout felt relieved that the court had delivered justice. “I want to thank AfriForum for their support and perseverance. This victory is not just for me, but for all women fighting against abuse,” she said.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, led by Advocate Gerrie Nel, took up the case in 2018. The unit intervened after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) failed to act.
Nel stated that the conviction and sentencing send a strong message to survivors of domestic violence:
“This case proves that women must not remain silent. If you speak out, there are people willing to fight for justice on your behalf.”
Meanwhile, AfriForum has applied to get back its prosecution-related expenses from Bizos and the NPA. The court plans to issue a verdict regarding the costs order on March 28.
