'Waterkloof two' remain in custody
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has taken a decision that offenders Frikkie du Preez and Christoff Becker will remain in custody, pending a review of their parole.
The two parolees were re-arrested on Sunday, 16 February 2014 following publication of a video showing the “Waterkloof Two” allegedly celebrating in a correctional centre. Following a decision of the Supervisory Committee, du Preez and Becker will appear before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB), of the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, for a review of their parole.
On average, 64 offenders are granted parole every day in South Africa. In addition to the country’s 156,939 inmates, 65,931 offenders are outside correctional centres living in their respective communities. Of the 65,931 offenders, 48,716 are parolees, 15,491 are probationers (serving non-custodial sentences) and 1,724 are awaiting-trial. Compliance with parole conditions currently stands at 98.4%.
Meanwhile, Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has warned that anarchy at any correctional centre will not be tolerated.
“Anarchy at any correctional centre will not be tolerated, and any official, or offender, found guilty of any such offence will face the full might of the law. As DCS, we will fight fraud and corruption with vigour. As part of the department’s anti-corruption strategy, since 2009/10 more than 171 DCS officials were dismissed, demoted or suspended for various offences related to fraud and corruption.
“Correctional Services today has made significant strides from the inherited prison system prior to 1994. According to the Public Service Commission Report for 2011/12, DCS was evaluated as the third best institution in dealing with fraud and corruption. However, much more still needs to be done,” Minister Ndebele said.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 076 062 2180
E-mail: manelisiwolela@yahoo.com
