placement on parole as a right
6 October 2006
The offenders that applied to the High Court are just opportunists that
believe an early release is a right of even non-rehabilitated offenders. The
Department of Correctional Services will defend the matter when it sets down
for argument on Tuesday, 10 October 2006, in the Johannesburg High Court.
Sixteen of the 21 offenders had appeared before the Department's
Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) and could not be placed on
parole for well considered reasons by the independent CSPB that is chaired by a
member of the community. Others had either not completed the minimum sentence
period for consideration or had not made sufficient progress in response to
rehabilitation interventions of the Department as assessed by the Case
Management Committees (CMC).
The department wishes to dismiss any efforts to rate offender rights over
those of the communities they come from and victims of their criminal
behaviour. The department strongly believes the judiciary will vindicate its
position in the interest of public safety.
The department has a comprehensive plan for handling parole, conversion of
sentences and social re-integration of offenders which has been going on with
greater community and victim empowerment. These include the establishment of 52
CSPB, and the introduction of a new offender social reintegration policy,
expected to be launched in due course. Therefore, efforts to disorganise these
positive efforts of a caring government cannot be entertained.
Inquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
6 October 2006
