Bob Hewitt: South Africa stops early release of rapist former tennis star Published duration 16 September 2019

image copyright Getty Images image caption The 79-year-old South African was jailed for six years in 2015

South African officials have stopped the early release of convicted rapist and former tennis star Bob Hewitt following a public outcry.

The 79-year-old was jailed for six years in 2015 for raping two girls and sexually assaulting a third while he was a coach in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was set to be released on parole later this month but, on Monday, that decision was suspended.

Hewitt's case will now be referred to the country's parole board for review.

Proper procedures regarding the decision to grant him parole were not followed and his victims were not consulted, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services said.

"The [justice] minister noted with grave concern the lack of participation by the victims of crimes in the parole consideration process," it added.

One of Hewitt's victims told local radio station SAfm she had been devastated and angry when she heard the news of his imminent release.

"It came as a huge shock," Olivia Jasriel said. "It's disgusting the way we've been treated. It's just a constant re-traumatisation. I haven't had an opportunity to heal."

Hewitt had reportedly been due to be released on 23 September. It is not known when the parole board will review his case.

image copyright Getty Images image caption Bob Hewitt won multiple Grand Slam doubles titles

The former tennis player was a multiple Grand Slam doubles champion in the 1960s and 1970s. He initially played for Australia, but later moved to South Africa and took citizenship there.

He was suspended from the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012 after abuse allegations.

During his trial for rape, the prosecutor said Hewitt deserved a harsh sentence because he had failed to show remorse and had breached the trust of children.