Alleged slasher Corrine Jackson’s arrest while out on bail for murder has sparked outrage at the justice system.
The Mitchells Plain United Residents Association (MURA) victim support co-ordinator, Linda Jones, says the courts favour the perpetrator while failing the victim.
Jackson, 24, was arrested for common assault last Thursday after a violent argument with her fiancée Erin van den Berg and her mother at Erin’s Vredehoek flat.
She was due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court this week.
Jackson, from Mitchells Plain, is also due to go on trial for the murder of her former girlfriend Nadine Esterhuizen, 18, at the Cape Town Regional Court on 3 February.
The Athlone High School matric pupil was found slaughtered at her sister’s home in Colorado Park on 27 September 2017, and Jackson was found locked in the bathroom with two knives in her bloody hands.
Nadine’s body had 21 stab wounds, and her head nearly severed off.
In December 2017, Jackson was denied bail and spent six months in prison until she was released on R5000 bail in June 2018.
In 2019, her bail conditions were amended, requiring her to report to Cape Town SAPS every Monday between 8am and 11am to sign a bail conditions register.
After four years of postponements and an inquiry into her mental status, the Mitchells Plain Regional Court last September ruled that Jackson was fit to stand trial.
Linda says the justice system is giving Jackson the freedom to commit more crime.
“The perpetrator is enjoying herself, has moved on with another person and is doing the same thing, she is violating and yet when at court, she gets to play the victim,” she says.
“This has to be addressed sooner than later by the authorities
“Victims are faced with loss and yet they have to watch how the perpetrator can enjoy freedom on the street.”
Slain Nadine’s mom Vanessa Esterhuizen said the shock at learning of Jackson’s arrest only adds to her anguish.
“It’s been five years without Nadine, it doesn't get any better,” she says.
“Corrine doesn’t have any remorse for what she did to Nadine.
I hope that the court takes into consideration what she did to them.
“I feel this [murder] case has to start she already.
“All the evidence is there... we can have peace of mind.”
Meanwhile, a relative of Erin, who lives in Johannesburg, told the Daily Voice that he has evidence that Corrine broke her bail conditions by visiting them on 5 March 2021 .
The man said he has submitted an affidavit at a Joburg police station.
venecia.america@inl.co.za