Cape Town– 16 May 2025
A 51-year-old parolee has been arrested in connection with the horrific kidnapping and rape of a 9-year-old girl in Hanover Park, sparking widespread outrage and prompting the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to urgently review its parole monitoring systems.
The accused, who initially appeared in court under the name Igshaan Williams, was later identified by DCS officials as Isaac Booi—a convicted rapist released on parole less than six months ago.
According to an official statement from the Department, Booi was sentenced on 13 March 2008 to 25 years in prison for rape and indecent assault. He served his sentence at Voorberg Correctional Centre and was released on parole on 26 November 2024. His parole was scheduled to continue until 22 May 2044.
Cape Town Community Corrections has confirmed that Booi was under their supervision at the time the alleged offence occurred. The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the current parole system, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of monitoring procedures and the adequacy of risk assessments for high-risk offenders.
DCS has launched a formal parole revocation process, expected to be completed within 14 days as per departmental guidelines. “This is a deeply troubling case,” the Department said in a statement. “We have initiated an internal investigation to assess whether any lapses occurred in the monitoring process and to determine what corrective actions may be necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Community members and child advocacy organisations have reacted with shock and fury, demanding stricter parole conditions and improved safeguards for vulnerable groups—particularly children. Many are questioning how a high-risk offender was allowed back into society with what they view as insufficient oversight.
Hanover Park residents, already living in a community plagued by crime and gang violence, are reportedly shaken. Local leaders have called for immediate reforms to the parole system and stronger mechanisms to ensure public safety.
Authorities have not released the identity or condition of the young victim in accordance with child protection laws, but they have confirmed that she is receiving medical care and trauma counselling.
Booi remains in custody and is expected to appear for a formal bail hearing next week. Additional charges may follow as the investigation unfolds.
This case is expected to fuel renewed national debate about the safety and reliability of South Africa’s parole system, especially regarding the release and supervision of high-risk offenders.
