Question NW182 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

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09 April 2024 - NW182

Profile picture: Engelbrecht, Mr J

Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

(1)What were the offences committed by each of the 16 472 inmates who were released from prison in terms of the special remission programme; (2) whether the inmates who have reoffended will be required to continue serving their original sentence as a result of (a) being arrested, (b) charged and (c) found guilty of another offence; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1. Information on crimes committed by each offender released in terms of the special remission programme is attached as Annexure 1, it should however be noted that subsequent to verification a total of 16 074 offenders were released and not 16 472 as stated in question.

(2)(a) A total of 13 504 offenders were unconditionally released as they had reached their sentence expiry date upon granting of special remission. A total of 2 570 offenders were released into the supervision of Community Corrections in order to continue serving their sentences as parolees. It has been found that 04 parolees who are monitored under the community corrections system have been re-arrested for allegedly committing crimes for house breaking, assault (2) and absconding

(2)(b) Parolees who are re-arrested for allegedly committing crimes have been re-admitted and will go through court processes and may be required to serve the remaining part of his original sentence based on merits.

(2)(c) Offenders whom are found guilty of criminal offences will have to serve their sentences as imposed by courts and their sentences will be recalculated to cater for previous unexpired sentence/s. Offenders may therefore be required to serve the remaining part of their sentence including the sentence of further charge.

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