Correctional Services Minister, Hon. NN Mapisa-Nqakula – MP, has instructed the Department of Correctional Services to, as soon as is possible, lodge papers with the Constitutional Court to seek clarity on aspects of its judgment handed down on the 30 September 2010 on the matter regarding PF Van Vuren and the Minister of Correctional Services and others.
Ambiguity in the interpretation of the judgment has arisen as a consequence of the National Council of Correctional Services (NCCS) interpretation of aspects of judgment specific to the role the NCCS plays in assisting the Minister of Correctional Services decide on the applications for parole by offenders serving life sentences of incarceration.
The Ministry of Correctional Services is of the firm view that any decision by the minister concerning the placement on parole of offenders serving life imprisonment in the absence or without the recommendation of the NCCS would always constitute reviewable administrative action in our courts.
As such the Constitutional Court will be asked to assist the process of considering parole applications by offenders serving life sentences by clarify the role of the NCCS, if any, in assisting the Minister of Correctional Services decide whether to grant or deny parole to lifers.
Enquiries:
Sonwabo Mbananga (Spokesperson to the Minister of Correctional Services)
Tel: 012 305 8850
Cell: 082 045 3963
