The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) wishes to reply to The Citizen’s article (on page 2) entitled “Derby-Lewis’s lawyers set ultimatum”. The department dismisses as disingenuous the claim made that the lawyers of offender Clive Derby Lewis had submitted an application for medical parole and have not received any feedback from Correctional Services.
We have verified again with the Gauteng Regional Office and Kgosi Mampuru Management Area today, 18 June 2014 that Ms Derby-Lewis only submitted an application on 2 May 2014, which was found to be incomplete and returned. Based on the incompleteness of the application, a meeting was convened on 8 May 2014 with Ms Derby-Lewis and her attorney to discuss all the required documentation. Presently, 18 June 2014 DCS is not in possession of any application for medical parole or form from any person acting on behalf of offender Derby-Lewis or even directly from him.
The facts are clear that an incomplete medical application was submitted which could not be entertained. The department went an extra mile to explain the requirements to the wife of offender Derby Lewis and her attorney and is still waiting for a complete application to be able to process it for consideration by the Medical Parole Advisory Board (MPAB).
The Minister’s comments on offender Derby Lewis only acknowledged the receipt of a normal parole submission with a positive recommendation from the National Council of Correctional Services which, in terms of the law, the Minister is expected to apply his mind and decide on the matter.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 076 062 2180
E-mail: Manelisi.wolela@dcs.gov.za
