Minister Ndebele calls for support of offenders

Mluleki Mrwebi
09 July 2012

The ten week process for Special Remission of sentence for prisoners came to an end on the 6th of July.

Since this process was granted by President Jacob Zuma on the 27th of April this year, about 43,789 prisoners were released by the Department of Correctional Services.

Statistics show that about 90 of those inmates released have been re-arrested and charged.

The Minister of Correctional Services Sbu Ndebele says this number is very low compared to the number of inmates released, and added that any prisoners re-arrested is one too many.

Minister Spokesperson Logan Maistry says that they call upon the communities to support to reintegrate the offenders back into the society.

Maistry said that everyone should play a part in helping those who are vulnerable.

He added that offenders can live a positive and productive life if communities give support to them.