Call for transparency over ‘special’ parole

• Published date: 04 May 2024
• Author: Genevieve Serra
• Publication title: Weekend Argus

Last month it was revealed – through Western Cape police oversight and community safety – that 3 159 prisoners were granted “special remission” parole

The DCS has said the special remission did not include prisoners in jail for serious and violent crimes such as murder and attempted murder.

Western Cape DCS spokesperson Candice van Reenen said the over 3 000 prisoners released on special remission were involved in various types of crime, but these did not include sexual offences, murder and attempted murder, sedition, high treason, sabotage, terrorism and offenders declared to be dangerous criminals in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“The types of crime committed by parolees re-arrested, following their benefit from the special remission 2023, include house breaking and theft, assault, drug-related crimes, traffic offences, possession of stolen goods and family violence.

“However, it must also be noted that although the special remission parolee may have been re-arrested, they must still stand trial to determine whether they are guilty of the newly-registered matter or not. DCS continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.”

Police oversight and community safety revealed that of those released, 760 were granted parole between August and November as a result of the “Special Remission of Sentence”.

Of these parolees, about half (383) are reporting to SAPS stations, where Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers are deployed.

They further said it had been...