In 1994, Alison Botha was abducted, brutally assaulted, and left for dead in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. What followed is one of the most extraordinary survival stories ever documented. Despite catastrophic injuries, Alison not only lived—she identified her attackers and helped bring them to justice. This episode follows the crime, the investigation, and Alison’s unimaginable fight to survive.

To donate to the official Trust Fund that will help Alison with her medical expenses:

Nedbank Trust Account No 1302230492

Alison Trust

For international donations, include SWIFT code NEDSZAJJ

Sources:

• Alison (2016 documentary film), directed by Uga Carlini — featuring Alison Botha, Dr. Comyn, Dr. Dimitri Angelov, Detective Melvin Humpel, Tiaan, and Marianne Thamm
• I Have Life: Alison's Journey by Marianne Thamm (Penguin Random House, 1998)
• Daily Maverick — multiple articles covering the parole decision and Alison's brain aneurysm (2024-2025)
• News24 — reporting on the parole release of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger (July 2023)
• MISA (Motor Industry Staff Association) press release, July 2023
• South African Government media statements — Minister Pieter Groenewald's parole revocation announcement (February 2025)
• AllThatsInteresting.com — Alison Botha profile
• Nelson Mandela University Council Africa Award citation (2016)