The Department of Correctional Services says less sentenced offenders qualified for the Covid-19 Special Parole than expected

The Department of Correctional Services says 17 922 sentenced offenders qualified for the Covid-19 Special Parole Dispensation.

After President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a state of disaster on March 15, 2020, the department developed and implemented a response strategy that entailed prevention, containment, treatment and recovery. Despite measures put in place, the department said they continued to be confronted by the strong impossibility of maintaining social distancing in its facilities due to overcrowding.

Chief Deputy Commissioner for Community Corrections, Anna Molepo, said in addressing, managing and combating the spread of the Covid-19 in Correctional Centres, the department recommended to the president to let out low risk offender on parole or continue their sentences with community serves.

Initially 19 000 offenders who committed non-violent crimes would benefit, however 17 922 were released



image: shutterstock

By Everngelista Muza

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