Prisoners released on Covid-19 parole rearrested

MORE than 100 prisoners released early on special Covid-19 parole have been rearrested for crimes, including murder, grievous bodily harm, house robbery and assault.

The Department of Correctional Services has cited low community support, which leaves them vulnerable and feeling they have no choice but to go back to crime, as the reason for re-offending in some of the cases.

The department released a total of 13 989 prisoners, according to spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo.

“These are people who qualified for the Covid-19 parole dispensation and they were considered low-risk offenders if they served a minimum required time. Unfortunately 0.96% (126) have re-offended and they are back inside, over 60 of them are back on what we call crimes of need, like housebreaking and robbery. We feel that this is due to the low support that they receive in communities.

“Some of them did commit serious crimes like murder, but the majority of them committed crimes of need.”

Singabakho said communities should be mindful that those who are reintegrated have received rehabilitation and need support and love.

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union said it was unfortunate that 126 of those recently released have re-offended. |