Albutt's bid to exclude the people he attacked in Kuruman, Northern Cape, 14 years ago failed when the Constitutional Court ruled that his application for a pardon could not be processed without their participation.

Human rights organisations have welcomed the court's decision. "This is a significant victory for victims. We hope it will be a turning point in how the government treats them," Khulumani support group spokesperson Tshepo Madlingozi said.

Yesterday Chief Justice Chris Ngcobo ruled that victims were entitled to be heard before the president makes any decision to grant a pardon under the special dispensation.