Lamola releases 2 500 prisoners to curb overcrowding
Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed the release of more than 2 500 inmates on special remission in attempt to deal with overcrowding in prisons nationwide.
Lamola spoke at the fire-damaged Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Makhado on Thursday.
A fire broke out at the privately-run facility earlier this month, killing one inmate and injured 18 others.
The fire has forced the Correctional Services to transfer over 3000 inmates to other centres across the country.
"Along the categories approved by President Ramaphosa through the special remission, children under 18 years a total of 80 were released, youth from 18 to 25 total of 640 were released, adults between 26 to 64 a total of 1876 release, elderly 65 and older 80 have been released, disabled people seven of them have been released. This amounts to 2 533 thus far that have been released," Lamola said.
The special remission of non-violent offenders' sentences have been in the spotlight since former president Jacob Zuma was granted one last week.
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