THE SOUTH African government has said it could release more than 35,000 convicted criminals from their sentences over the coming months to reduce chronic overcrowding in the country’s jails.
Police minister Nathi Mthethwa confirmed on Saturday that about 20,855 probationers and parolees, and 14,651 sentenced inmates, would be released “conditionally or unconditionally” following assessment on a special remission of sentence programme.
“The special remission . . . will see all sentenced inmates, probationers and parolees granted a six-month remission of sentence . . . and an additional 12 months. This will reduce the level of overcrowding in correctional centres from 34 per cent to approximately 20 per cent,” he told a press conference in Pretoria.
The granting of special remissions in South Africa is governed by placing safety first, so people incarcerated for aggressive, sexual, firearm and drug-related offences will not qualify.
“Such exclusion is justified on the basis [of] public interest and concern and the prevalence of serious offences, the integrity of the criminal justice system and the administration of justice,” said Mr Mthethwa.
The move, announced by the South African president, Jacob Zuma, on Friday, has been criticised by opposition groups, which say it reduces the deterrent custodial sentences in a country where crime remains at epidemic levels.
In addition, Mr Zuma’s government has been accused of using the mass release of prisoners as a smokescreen behind which a number of high-profile ANC members will also gain their freedom.
It has been confirmed Schabir Shaik, Mr Zuma’s former financial adviser convicted of fraud and corruption in 2005 and given 15 years, will benefit.
During his trial, the presiding judge said there was “overwhelming” evidence of a corrupt relationship between Mr Zuma and Mr Shaik. The latter was given parole in March 2009 because he was said to be terminally ill.
Former police chief Jackie Selebi, who began a 15-year term last year for accepting bribes, is also eligible to benefit.
The Azanian People’s Organisation told the Citizen newspaper the announcement was for the benefit of certain ANC supporters who had fallen foul of the law.
