King Dalindyebo and Kanya Cekeshe granted 'special remission' of sentence
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has announced that AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo and Fees Must Fall activist Kanya Cekeshe will benefit from the special remission of their sentences.
Lamola addressed media in Pretoria after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that a number of prisoners will be granted a special remission of their sentences to mark 25 years of democracy.
According to Lamola, offenders will be selected from specific categories, with a focus on women and children, the elderly and people living with disabilities.
Less than 10 per cent of inmates will be considered overall.
"In terms of inmates within correctional centres, less than 10 per cent, 8.99 per cent of the total inmate population of 163 015, will be considered. Of those to be considered in correctional facilities, the greater part that is eligible for this remission is 14 647 inmates are closer to their parole consideration dates," says Lamola.
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Ramaphosa to grant prisoners 'special remission' of sentences
In his address, Ramaphosa moved to quickly assure those in attendance that sexual offenders would not be considered. "The minister of Justice and Correctional Services (Ronald Lamola) will provide the relevant details and specific circumstances with regard to the remission and the release of those prisoners and relevant offenders," says Ramaphosa.
Ending speculation to the status of certain high profile offenders, Lamola confirmed that Dalindyebo is among those that qualify for the special remission of sentence.
The AbaThembu King is serving a 12 year prison sentence on several charges, including kidnapping, assault, arson and defeating the ends of justice.
"Indeed King Dalindybo did make an application for a presidential pardon, that application is still on the table of the president.
"With regard to whether he will benefit on a remission or not - he will benefit on a remission and his benefit is twelve months which means it's going to cut his sentence by twelve months," Lamola added.
Student activist Kanya Cekeshe's sentenced will also be reduced by twelve months.
In 2017, Cekeshe was sentenced to eight years in jail - with three years suspended - for malicious damage to property after he was found guilty of torching a police car during Fees Must Fall protests.
He is now eligible for parole.
"This decision means he qualifies for parole immediately," says Lamola.
The remissions process is also expected to assist with overcrowding in prisons
An additional 12 months will be granted to low-risk offenders.