Victims' families outraged at for convicted killer and rapist Keith Bird’s potential early parole

In a shocking turn of events, Keith Bird, a convicted serial killer and rapist, is seeking early release from his 50-year sentence due to health concerns, just seven years into his imprisonment.

Candice van Reenen, regional communications for the Department of Correctional Services said they were not in a position to comment on Victim-Offender Dialogue (VOD) when Bird's parole bid was queried.

"Victim Offender Dialogues are internal processes. As a means to protect victims, information on these processes are not disclosed," she said.

Bird's VOD has commenced at Drakenstein Prison, where he is being held.

This has triggered alarm from the families of his victims and survivors who continue to grapple with the aftermath of his heinous actions.

Ellen Bardien, the sister of Bird's victim Aniesa Bardien, expressed her outrage, recounting the pain of losing her sister at just 37 years old. “I felt angry, hurt, scared and don’t think this justice system is right. She still had her whole life ahead of her,” she lamented, summarising the ongoing trauma that haunts the families affected by Bird's crimes.

Bird’s surviving victims have also shared harrowing stories that illustrate their torment. One survivor detailed her experience of receiving invitations from Bird through social media, leading to a horrific encounter in January 2014 that almost cost her life. After he demanded to meet her, she expressed her fears to friends, ultimately deciding against the meeting. However, the ensuing encounter would leave deep psychological scars as Bird attempted to assault her, causing her to live in constant fear. “I thought they(DCS) saying he wants to ask forgiveness but they were speaking about parole in between the VOD session and I couldn't look at him during the VOD because the look he had in his  eyes scared me. I feel safe for now that his still in prison but I am worried if he does get parole then it will feel like in 2014 again."

Activist Felicity George, who accompanied the survivor to the session, stated, “He showed no remorse: "He must not get parole, this is a plot and plan from his side, he is a manipulator. I said to him that he not sorry. He is only sorry that he is in prison. He had a smug look on his face."

The community has rallied, with a petition launched under the guidance of activist, Joanie Fredericks and many other roleplayers to ensure Bird remains behind bars. 

“If we allow a man like Bird— a convicted serial rapist and double murderer—to be slowly prepared for release behind closed doors, we betray every survivor,” said the petition.

"We call on the Department of Correctional Services, the Western Cape Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services to take the following clear steps in the case of convicted serial rapist and double murderer Keith Bird: Confirm in writing that Keith Bird will not be considered for early release or parole at this stage, and that any future consideration will strictly follow minimum‑sentence and victim‑participation laws.

"Register all surviving victims and affected families under section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act, and ensure they receive written notice of any Victim–Offender Dialogue (VOD), parole hearing, or change in his status, with enough time to respond.

"Provide proper counselling and psychological support to the victim who recently attended a VOD with Bird, and to any other victims or families who request it, before and after any further contact with Correctional Services.

"Fix how VODs are handled, so that no victim is called into a VOD without clear information, real choice and emotional preparation, and so that VOD is not used simply to make Bird look “ready” for parole."

Mitchells Plain pastor Keith Bird, 51, was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2019 after being convicted in the Western Cape High Court of murder, rape, crimen injuria, and theft.

The sentence follows a plea agreement where Bird admitted to two counts of murder, seven of rape, four of crimen injuria, and theft. The murder charges related to the 2013 killings of Aniesa Bardien, 36, whom he strangled and bludgeoned with a rock after she ended their engagement, and Sharvonne Sharnice Koense, 20, whom he raped and strangled in Tafelsig.