Ramaphosa to grant prisoners ‘special remission’ of sentences

Ramaphosa gave the keynote address at the commemoration of the national Day of Reconciliation at the Bergville Municipal Sports Complex in KwaZulu Natal.

He explained that the process would be undertaken in various phases, starting with vulnerable groups.

Offenders will be selected from specific categories, with a focus on women and children, the elderly and people living with disabilities.

"In commemorating the 25 years of democracy and in line with established international practice, I have decided in terms of the constitution to grant a special remission of sentence to specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees. Remissions of sentences are always carefully considered taking into account the interests of the public and the administration of justice," says Ramaphosa.

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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.

"It must be emphasized that this remission of sentences excludes those who are sentences for sexual offenses, for violent aggressive offenses as well as people who are declared dangerous criminals."

The granting of Special Remission (Amnesty) is an internationally accepted practice, usually to celebrate a special event.

According to information on the Department of Correctional Services, the length of sentence to be served is reduced with the period of special remission (amnesty), granted by the President.

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