The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has been urged to be more open about the characteristics of prisoners granted parole after it was revealed that they released thousands of offenders, many of whom were imprisoned for housebreaking, theft, assault and drug-related crimes.
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Last month, Western Cape police revealed that 3 159 prisoners were granted ‘special remission’ parole.
According to the DCS, the special remission did not apply to prisoners incarcerated for serious and violent crimes like murder and attempted murder.
Candice van Reenen, Western Cape DCS spokesperson, told IOL that the over 3 000 prisoners released on special remission had committed a variety of crimes, but not sexual offences, murder and attempted murder, sedition, high treason, sabotage, terrorism, or offenders declared dangerous criminals under the Criminal Procedures Act.
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‘The types of crime committed by parolees re-arrested, following their benefit from the special remission 2023, include housebreaking and theft, assault, drug-related crimes, traffic offences, possession of stolen goods and family violence.’
‘However, it must also be noted that although the special remission parolee may have been re-arrested, they must still stand trial to determine whether they are guilty of the newly registered matter or not. DCS continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.’
Police oversight and community safety revealed that of those released, 760 were granted parole between August and November as a result of the ‘Special Remission of Sentence’.
Approximately half of these parolees (383) report to SAPS stations where Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers are stationed.
They went on to say that the police had reported that by November 20 of last year, 113 parolees had re-offended and been rearrested. They were arrested for a variety of offences, including assault, theft, attempted murder and possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen urged the DCS to be more transparent, saying his office could not comment but would engage with role-players.
‘SAPS and DCS should also inform the communities where these parolees have been released (about) who they are (and) the crimes they have committed, while encouraging [the community] to report any transgressions,’ he said.
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