Action Society’s concerns about fatal flaws in the parole system was confirmed after a briefing by the Department of Correctional Services on Tuesday where the challenges of the current parole system were discussed. Of most concern, was the revelation that large percentages of parolees go unmonitored and continue to commit serious, violent crimes.
To make matters worse, last year SAPS revealed that they do not keep records of parolees nor are they aware of their whereabouts. These shocking facts were revealed in a two-page response in August last year on a request for access to information that Action Society sent to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 18 January 2023.
“One of the members of the committee brought up the fact that up to 40% of parolees go on to reoffend and commit serious crimes. These crimes include rape, murder, assault and robbery. With shocking crime stats still fresh in our minds, it is harrowing to realise how many of these crimes would have been avoided if dangerous parolees had been kept off the street,” explains Action Society spokesperson, Juanita du Preez.
“In August last year, President Ramaphosa granted a special remission, resulting in the release of approximately 14 651 offenders, both conditionally and unconditionally, and the freeing of an estimated 20 855 probationers and parolees. This decision, taken in the absence of a robust and accountable criminal justice system, underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in our approach to law enforcement and criminal justice. In the meantime, strengthening community engagement and empowering provinces to manage their own policing can provide immediate relief and a path forward to a more secure and just South Africa.”
“We believe that the overhaul of the parole system is one of the key points that should receive immediate attention in the fight against crime. Dangerous offenders cannot even be considered for parole. The current parole system doesn’t lead to rehabilitation, it leads to reoffenders and this cannot be allowed. The parole system is being abused to cheat justice. There needs to be reform and change to keep the people of South Africa safe and we hope that this committee will take these matters seriously and come up with effective solutions,” said du Preez.
Another concern raised was medical parole acting as a type of ‘get out of jail free card.’ According to some members, inmates who are released on medical parole after being declared ‘terminally ill’, oftentimes completely slip out of the system and are found years later to be back in society and completely healthy. Former president Jacob Zuma is an obvious example.
The Committee all agreed that parolees that reoffend is one of their biggest challenges. They also said that they will involve the Minister of Justice and promised that any new legislation or changes to legislation will be done in the next 24 months so that they do not fall behind.
“We urge the committee not to delay for 24 months, but to prioritise the parole issue for the next 12 months.”
