Key Points:
- Authorities found a missing Hanover Park girl in the home of a convicted rapist currently on parole.
- The Hanover Park rape case has exposed failures in South Africa’s parole and justice systems.
- Advocacy groups are calling for immediate reforms, including public access to the National Register for Sexual Offenders.
CAPE TOWN — Authorities have charged a convicted rapist on parole with multiple new offenses after police found a missing Hanover Park girl in his home earlier this week. Consequently, the incident has outraged residents and reignited criticism of South Africa’s parole system.
Parolee Appears in Court on Multiple Charges
The 51-year-old man appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Officials formally charged him with rape, kidnapping, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Because he lacked legal representation, the court postponed the case until May 23. Moreover, the court ordered the media not to publish his name until he obtains legal counsel.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) announced it will begin the parole revocation process. Officials identified the man in DCS records as Isaac Booi, although he used a Muslim name during the court appearance.
Booi’s Criminal Record and Parole History
According to DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, the court sentenced Booi in 2008 to 25 years in prison for rape and indecent assault. He served the minimum required portion of his sentence at Voorberg Correctional Centre. Then, DCS placed him on parole on November 26, 2024. His parole period was scheduled to last until May 2044.
Nxumalo said DCS will now move forward with revoking Booi’s parole. “We will finalize the parole revocation within the required 14-day period,” he confirmed.
Public Outcry Follows Girl’s Rescue
Hanover Park residents gathered outside the courthouse on Friday. They demanded justice for the girl and accountability from the justice system.
Dennis George, public relations officer for Faith and Hope Missing Persons, said the group received a call at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday about the missing child. He added, “The suspect gave the girl R20 and asked her to buy him milk. On her way, she saw a friend and told her she’d be back soon. She said she just needed to drop the milk off.”
The Hanover Park rape case has brought to light how offenders on parole can still pose a danger to children in their communities.
Organizations Condemn Justice System Failures
Ilitha Labantu, a non-profit focused on gender-based violence, strongly condemned the incident. Spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said, “This is not just a single act of criminal behavior. It reflects the broader failure of the systems meant to protect children.”
He added, “This failure is an indictment of the justice and parole systems. Our children should walk freely and safely in their neighborhoods. They should not live in fear of known predators.”
Action Society Calls for Reforms
Action Society, a civil rights group, has committed to monitoring the case. Spokesperson Kaylyn Palm emphasized, “This case shows the harsh reality of parolees who reoffend. It also proves the urgent need to make the National Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO) publicly accessible. That is the only way we can protect children effectively.”
The Hanover Park rape case continues to raise national concerns. Citizens and advocacy groups are now calling for tougher parole policies and improved community safety measures.
