Cape Town, 16 July 2023: The Department of Correctional Services held a community engagement meeting at Lentegeur Civic Centre in Mitchell’s Plain to discuss the release on parole of the man believed to be the Station Strangler, Norman Afzal Simons. Simons was convicted in 1995 of the murder and kidnapping of ten year old Elroy Van Rooyen and received a sentence of 25 years for murder and ten years for kidnapping.

Despite the disappearance and murder of 21 other victims, Simons could only be linked to and convicted of Elroy Van Rooyen’s murder. The chain of murders started around stations in Mitchells Plain in 1986 and Simons was apprehended in 1994.

Lawrence Venter from the Department of Correctional Services said there were 21 other cold cases but they would be investigated if more evidence becomes available.

Zorah Motasi, a community activist from Strand, spoke on behalf of Elroy Van Rooyen’s family., with Elroy’s aunt Florence Galant in attendance. Motasi said the family is apposed to the release of Simons, were never consulted and never received any sort of support from the Department of Correctional Services.

Norman Afzal Simons is scheduled to be released on life parole on 20 July. He is expected to live with his family in Parow.