Buttskop death driver wants parole

Published Dec 1, 2015

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Cape Town - In August 2010, Jacob Humphreys’ taxi collided with a train after he ignored lowered booms at the Buttskop level crossing in Blackheath. Ten of the 14 school children he was transporting that morning died.

The Daily Voice had leaned that Humphreys has applied for parole.

Families of his young victims have confirmed that parole board officials visited their homes to consult with them about Humphreys’ possible release.

By late on Monday, Correctional Services could not confirm when the 60-year-old’s parole hearing would be taking place.

While some of the victims’ families are shocked at the news, others say they have forgiven him for killing their children, and won’t begrudge him his freedom.

Cody Erasmus, 15, Liesl “Little Rock” Augis, 11, Jody Phillips, 13, Nolan February, 13, Michaelin de Koker, 11, Jason Pedro, 14, Nadine Marthinissen, 16, Jeane-Pierre Willemans, 13, Jade Adams, 10, and seven-year-old Reece Smith tragically lost their lives.

Humphreys was convicted in 2011 on ten counts of murder and four of attempted murder, and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

After he appealed the conviction, the Supreme Court of Appeal changed the charges to culpable homicide and his sentence was reduced to eight years.

Two weeks ago, the victims’ families got a shock when officials from the parole board came knocking at their door.

But Liesl’s mother, Ingrid Augis, says she has no problem with Humphreys’ bid for freedom.

Ingrid tells the Daily Voice: “If he comes out I will be happy with the conditions.

“[The parole board] asked if I would be happy if he must be released and I said yes. Who am I to keep him in bondage? It is not going to bring Liesl back from the grave.”

Jody’s mother, Valerie, says the “shocking” visit came just days before what would have been his 19th birthday on Sunday.

Valerie says: “I was off sick the day they came to my house. It was not a surprise, it was a shock, it blew me out of my shoes.”

While she also says she has “nothing against Mr Humphreys” Valerie admits running into him will be difficult, since he lives nearby.

“It is sad that only now he wants to apologise... this is too late,” she says.

“I have forgiven him but I can never forget what he has done.

“It is not for us to decide, the decision ultimately lies with the parole board.”

Daily Voice

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