Question NW1784 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
25 May 2022 - NW1784
Breytenbach, Adv G to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the fact that he authorised Morné Harmse’s release on parole in March 2022, after the specified person served the minimum period of incarceration for his 20-year sentence for a murder committed in 2008, despite the expert consensus being that the person still had serious psychological deviations and serious aggression issues, on what basis did he ignore and/or overrule the expert opinion?
Reply:
The placement on parole of offender Morné Harmse’s was not approved by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services as the Minister is responsible for parole consideration of offenders that are sentenced to life imprisonment (lifers). Offenders serving determinate sentences are considered by the Case Management Committees and the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB) without the intervention of the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
Offender Morné Harmse was first considered on 16 November 2019, by the CSPB for possible placement on parole after completion of his minimum detention period on 09 June 2019, and was found not suitable for placement. Subsequently five (05) further profiles were approved by the CSPB and he was referred for further interventions.
Offender Morné Harmse was reconsidered by the CSPB on 24 February 2022, and this time parole placement was approved effective from 03 March 2022, subject to compliance with parole conditions. The decision to place offender Morné Harmse on parole was taken after considering multi-disciplinary reports including the Social Work report. Offender Harmse still continues with rehabilitation efforts under the system of Community Corrections. The offender is complying with his placement conditions since he was placed out.
END