Alexi Bizos, son of the late anti-apartheid lawyer George Bizos, was sentenced on February 14 to a R100 000 fine or one year in prison for assaulting his ex-wife, Monique van Oosterhout.

The ruling was delivered by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court and is the result of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit’s efforts.

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His legal representative Kelly Kropman has since responded to the ruling, stating, “We are studying the reasons for sentencing and considering the options available to Bizos.”

In addition to the fine, Bizos was sentenced to six months of correctional supervision, which includes 20 hours of monthly community service at shelters for abused women.

The case stems from an incident over nine years ago when Bizos assaulted his ex-wife at their Johannesburg home.

Last year, he was convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The prosecution, led by AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit head Advocate Gerrie Nel, began in 2018 and the trial was initiated in January 2020.

Magistrate Tshepo Twala criticised Bizos for showing “no remorse for his actions and failing to recognise the damage caused” to Van Oosterhout.

Twala also pointed out the importance of addressing the ongoing issue of domestic violence.

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“You cannot ignore that this was a vulnerable woman in the safety of her own home when she was assaulted. Gender-based violence gives perpetrators power. In this case, the accused assaulted the complainant because he questioned her and undermined his authority,” said Twala.

Bizos was spared imprisonment due to his age and status as a first-time offender.

Nel emphasised that the outcome sends a clear message to women about speaking out against violence.
“This private prosecution, the conviction and the sentence send a clear message to women to not accept violence, because someone will listen to you.

“Women must not accept being victims. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of these crimes and serves as a deterrent,” Nel said.

A cost order against Bizos and the National Prosecuting Authority has been filed to cover the expenses of the private prosecution.

The matter will return to court on March 28 for a ruling on the costs.

“We have no further comment as to the content of the reasons for sentencing or the remarks of the learned magistrate at this time,” said Kropman.