Singabakho Nxumalo, Correctional Services spokesperson confirmed that the department had recorded 21 new Covid-19 cases, with the total number now at 198. Eastern Cape recorded 115 cases – 42 officials, 73 inmates and 59 recoveries with two deaths. Western Cape recorded 67 cases – 64 officials, three inmates and 30 recoveries with one death. Gauteng recorded 13 cases – four officials and nine inmates. Limpopo recorded two cases of officials with one recovery, and head office in Pretoria had recorded one case of an official.
These escalating numbers of COVID-19 cases in South African prisons, has led to the authorization of the parole of selected categories of sentenced offenders. In a statement released on the 8th of 8 May, the Presidency said that the measure is being introduced to combat the spread of Covid-19 in correctional facilities so that social distancing and self-isolation conditions can be properly observed.
However, Albert Fritz, Western Cape Community Safety MEC expressed his concern over the authorization and called on Justice Minister Ronald Lamola to provide clarity on the steps that would be taken to ensure that the whereabouts of those granted parole were monitored by the parole officer and the police so that residents were protected.
“Too often, we see released parolees left destitute in the towns of the prisons in which they were released. Often, they have no home to stay in and are left on the streets, tempted to return to a life of crime. We have seen horrific crimes being committed by those released on parole, and we cannot allow this to happen again,” said Fritz.
In an effort to help the offenders to avoid violating the rules of their paroles, The South African Sentenced and Awaiting Trial Prisoners Organisation (Sasapo) has initiated a crime awareness campaign to address skills development,learnerships and apprenticeships programmes for ex-offenders on parole.
The aim of the initiative is to deal with challenges for ex-offenders to find employment and fight rejection by communities because of their criminal records. Phindile Zweni, Chairperson of Sasapo said that in most cases those challenges resulted in ex-offenders re-offending and going back to prison.
“The Correctional Services Department is mandated to ensure the effective rehabilitation of offenders into normal society, something that the department, unfortunately, fails to fulfil, this prompted the organisation to form partnerships with other stakeholders to ensure successful and sustainable implementation of intervention strategies to alleviate the high recidivism of released offenders,” said Zweni.
Fritz encouraged the parole boards, who will consider parole for the 19000 prisoners to do so with the utmost integrity. “They must be above reproach and keep in mind their decision impacts on the safety of every resident in the country. It is imperative parole boards consult with psychologists and social workers prior to granting parole, “he concluded.
