Alexi Bizos, the son of iconic lawyer George Bizos, had a bleak Valentine’s Day after the Johannesburg Magistrates Court sentenced him to a one-year jail term with an option of a R100 000 fine, plus 6 months of correctional supervision which entail 20 hours of community service every month at a shelter for abused women.
The late George Bizos is the renowned lawyer who represented political activists who were accused and convicted of Treason in the infamous Rivonia Trial that included the late statesman Nelson Mandela in the early 1960s.
The case against Bizos jnr was brought to court by Afrikaaner lobby group AfriForum, making use of its Private Prosecutions Unit headed by veteran lawyer Gerrie Nel.
AfriForum said in a statement submitted to Tshwane Talks that “the sentencing of Bizos jnr has sent a strong message to perpetrators of gender-based violence that AfriForum’s Private Prosecutions Unit will fight relentlessly for victims of this scourge.”
Alexi Bizos was found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after an incident whereby he beat up his wife Monique van Oosterhout at their Johannesburg home in 2015, leaving her with six broken ribs.
The NPA had declined to prosecute Bizos jnr regarding this matter, but Advocate Gerrie Nel nevertheless pursued the matter as a private indictment in 2018, leading to the conviction of Bizos jnr in 2024.
In court Advocate Gerrie Nel had agitated for a direct prison sentence against Bizos jnr.
Be that as it may, Magistrate Tshepo Thwala gave Bizos (63) the option of a fine due to his age and also because he was a first-time offender.
However, in his remarks Magistrate Tshepo Thwala said one cannot ignore the fact that Monique van Oosterhout was a vulnerable woman who was in the safety of her own home when she was attached, and that the accused (Bizos jnr) had not shown remorse for his crime and failed to acknowledge the wrongfulness of his actions.
“Domestic violence is a scourge that is too far prevalent and demands robust punishment for the perpetrators,” said Magistrate Thwala.
“This private prosecution sends a clear message to women to speak out, to not accept the violence committed against them,” said Nel.
“I want to thank AfriForum for their perseverance and continued support, not just for me but for all women,” said a relieved Monique van Oosterhout after the sentencing of Alexi Bizos.