Balfour releases paroled murderess into his office

By Tando Mfengwana

Minister of Correctional Services Ngconde Balfour, plans to employ a paroled murderess from Khayelitsha, Dora Bell. The office plans to finalise the employment of Bell who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 1991, after being found guilty of killing her employer. Bell served 15 years of her sentence, and got parole with the intervention from Balfour. Balfour’s Spokesperson Luphumzo Kebeni said the ministry offered her a contract so that she could get used to life in a work environment. Bell is not the first parolee to be offered a position in the department, Cindy Vollenhoven, was imprisoned for theft, was given a job, and is still working there after a her parole period had expired. The Parolees only hold a civilian post and will not be given any status. Ministers’ intervention comes after the Special Assignment programme about women prisoners where Bell featured. Balfour told parliament that they had no choice but to intervene at her parole board appearance.

Picture: www-dcs.pwv.gov.za