On December 18, 1994, Alison Botha’s life changed forever. She was coming home after a night out with friends in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, when two men attacked her in a violent, unthinkable way. She was kidnapped, raped, stabbed over 30 times, disemboweled, and left for dead with her throat slashed. And yet, incredibly, she survived. How did Alison Botha survive something so brutal that most wouldn’t have made it through the night? Her story is one of extreme resilience, quick thinking, and sheer willpower.

Alison’s survival is more than just a miracle—it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit. She didn’t just live through the attack; she walked to the nearest road, bleeding and barely able to hold her head up, in search of help. Her journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. She’s become a motivational speaker, written a book, and even helped bring her attackers to justice.

Today, we take a deep look at how Alison Botha survived one of the most brutal attacks imaginable, what happened that night, and how she’s used her experience to inspire others. If you’ve ever wondered how someone can overcome such trauma and go on to thrive, you’re in the right place.

• Teryl Rothery

Table of Contents

• Biography of Alison Botha
• The Night of the Attack
• How Did Alison Botha Survive?
• Life After the Attack
• How Alison Inspires Others
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Alison Botha

Alison Botha was born on September 22, 1967, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She grew up in a normal household until her parents divorced when she was just 10 years old. She lived with her mother and younger brother for most of her childhood. Despite the challenges, she did well in school and was even named head girl at her high school.

Personal Details

The Night of the Attack

It was a quiet South African evening when Alison Botha’s life took a terrifying turn. She’d spent the evening at the beach with friends, enjoying the summer heat. Afterward, she returned to her apartment complex in Port Elizabeth. That’s where the nightmare began.

Alison was grabbed by two men, Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, who forced her into a vehicle and drove her to a remote area on the outskirts of town. There, she was brutally raped and attacked. Her throat was slashed, her stomach was stabbed more than 30 times, and her intestines were pulled out. She was left for dead in a field, bleeding heavily and barely conscious.

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How Did Alison Botha Survive?

So, how did Alison Botha survive such a brutal attack? It wasn’t just luck—it was her strength, her will to live, and a few crucial decisions she made in the darkest moments of her life.

First, even in the midst of unimaginable pain, Alison made a conscious decision to fight for her life. She recalls thinking, “I don’t want to die.” That moment of clarity gave her the strength to move. Despite being barely able to hold her head up, she started crawling toward the nearest road.

As she moved, she held her intestines in with one hand and used the other to push herself forward. She eventually reached a highway, where she flagged down a passing car. The driver, shocked at the sight of her, called for help immediately.

She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors were amazed she was even alive. They worked quickly to stabilize her, and against all odds, she survived. The doctors later said she had endured more injuries than a human body could normally survive.

Life After the Attack

Alison Botha’s recovery was long and painful. She spent weeks in the hospital and months undergoing physical therapy. But she didn’t let the attack define her life. Instead, she used her experience to help others.

In 1995, the men who attacked her, Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, were arrested and sentenced to life in prison. However, they were released after serving only 28 years, a decision that sparked public outrage.

Alison went on to write a book titled “The Choice: A True Story of Hope,” where she detailed her experience and the lessons she learned from surviving the attack. She also participated in a documentary about her ordeal, which was released more than two decades after the incident.

Today, Alison is a motivational speaker, sharing her story to inspire others to find hope and strength in the darkest times. She talks about the power of choice, the importance of resilience, and how trauma can be a catalyst for growth and healing.

How Alison Inspires Others

Alison Botha’s story is about more than just survival—it’s about the power of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable odds. She often speaks about the moment she decided not to give up, even when death seemed certain. That moment of choice, she says, made all the difference.

Her message is simple: no matter how hard life gets, there’s always a way forward. She encourages people to take control of their mindset, to find purpose even in pain, and to believe in their own strength.

She’s also become an advocate for victims of sexual assault and violence, raising awareness about the long-term effects of trauma and the importance of support systems. Her story reminds us that healing is possible and that survivors can reclaim their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Alison Botha survive the attack?

Alison Botha survived the brutal attack by making a conscious decision to live, crawling to a nearby road for help, and receiving emergency medical care. Despite being stabbed over 30 times and having her throat slashed, she managed to stay alive through sheer willpower and strength.

What happened to Alison Botha’s attackers?

Alison Botha’s attackers, Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, were arrested and sentenced to life in prison in 1995. However, they were released after serving 28 years, which sparked controversy and public backlash.

Where is Alison Botha now?

Alison Botha is alive and well. She lives in South Africa and is a motivational speaker, author, and advocate for survivors of trauma and violence.

Alison Botha’s story is one that continues to resonate with people around the world. Her journey from victim to survivor to inspiration is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. If you’d like to learn more about her, you can read her book or watch the documentary based on her life.

For more inspiring stories of survival and resilience, check out our blog and join a community of people who believe in the power of hope and healing.