Key Points
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Johannesburg court upheld Alexi Bizos assault conviction.
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The court rejected his appeal, citing lack of remorse.
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Alexi Bizos assault conviction involved severe domestic violence.
The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has dismissed Alexi Bizos’ appeal against his conviction for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Bizos, son of the late Struggle icon George Bizos, had attempted to overturn his conviction for assaulting his then-wife, Monique van Oosterhout, more than nine years ago.
The court found no merit in the appeal, reaffirming its earlier judgment. In February, Bizos was sentenced to a R100,000 fine or one year in prison, along with six months of correctional supervision.
He must also complete 20 hours of community service per month at shelters for abused women.
Magistrate Tshepo Twala ruled that Bizos showed no remorse or insight into the gravity of his actions, reinforcing the seriousness of gender-based violence.
Assault conviction followed severe domestic violence incident
The incident involved Bizos punching Van Oosterhout in their Johannesburg home, leaving her with six broken ribs.
The assault occurred in 2014, but prosecution began in 2018 when AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit took up the case.
The trial started in 2020. In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Twala emphasized the impact of domestic violence, particularly within the home, calling it a “scourge” that warrants firm punishment.
“The accused assaulted the complainant due to her questioning him, which undermined his authority,” Twala said. He also highlighted the power imbalance that fuels gender-based violence.
Court finds Bizos’ testimony dishonest and arrogant
Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s unit, described Bizos as a dishonest witness who expected to be believed due to his social standing.
The court agreed, finding his evidence “fabricated” and his demeanor contemptuous.
Bizos claimed the magistrate had “speculated,” but Twala rejected that argument. The court also ordered that both Bizos and the National Prosecuting Authority must pay the private prosecution’s legal costs.
Though he avoided jail due to his age and lack of prior convictions, the Alexi Bizos assault conviction now stands as a clear legal precedent in holding powerful individuals accountable for domestic violence.
