Covid-19 parole done on case-by-case basis, says Lamola
Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola says placing on parole of some prisoners will be done on a case-by-case basis.
Lamola provided details of the Covid-19 parole announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday afternoon.
Ramaphosa has authorised the release of some 19,000 prisoners to contain the spread of the virus in correctional facilities.
The provision excludes inmates sentenced to life imprisonment or serving terms for serious crimes, including sexual offences, murder, gender-based violence and child abuse.
Lamola said due processes will be followed, including discussions with the victims.
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"Placement on parole will be a decision of the parole boards, the president’s decision only allows that these low-risk offenders be considered for parole by the parole boards.
"It will be done in phases and the most vulnerable, such as those with underlying health problems, elderly -aged above 60 years- and female offenders with infants, will be prioritised.”
Lamola added: "Those who qualify will be placed on parole after all the due processes including victim-offender dialogues have accordingly unfolded.”
Lamola says being arrested for a petty crime does not automatically vindicate the offender.
"It is very difficult the issue of petty crime as it's not straight answer but within our context, it brings forward a person's eligibility to apply for parole.
"It's not like the persons qualifies, hence we are saying there will be due process by the parol board to further scrutinise - on a case by case basis - whether this indeed their release will be in the interest of the justice of society.”
National Commissioner of Correctional Services Arthur Fraser says theft, shoplifting and trespassing are some of the petty crimes that will be allowed to apply for parole.
"We really looking at minor crimes and one could describe it as crimes of need that were committed.
"We have ensured that we have carefully scrutinised the categories as well as the individuals to ensure that there are no violent criminals in this group."