We wish to state that the parole board hearings on applications of lifers is only the beginning of a process that culminates in a decision to grant or not to grant parole by the Minister of Correctional Services. In terms of the Correctional Services Act of 1998, offenders serving life sentences can only be granted parole by the Minister of Correctional Services on recommendations of the National Council of Correctional Services (NCCS).
The Parole Board received both verbal presentations and written submissions by the Hani family, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) as part of the victims as well as to lawyers representing Mr Derby-Lewis. The parole board is expected to study all submissions, apply their mind and make their recommendations to the National Council on Correctional Services within 30 days.
A comprehensive statement on the matter dealing with substantive issues can only be made when the Minister of Correctional Services has applied her mind on the NCCS recommendations.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
