POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Correctional Facility has to date released 57 inmates on parole including 50 males and seven females ranging between the ages of 18 and 59.
Their release came after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in May that inmates who have passed their minimum detention period will be released as correctional facilities were deemed high-risk areas of infection due to overcrowding. The announcement lead to the release of 19 000 inmates before serving their full sentences.
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The centre’s Communications Officer, Sachiel Nemafhohoni told BONUS that release conditions that parolees have to abide by, include conducting themselves properly at all times; not committing any crime or offenses of any kind; not denying monitoring officials access to their property/residential area; and obeying all orders on where and when to report to their parole officers and correctional supervision officials.
Nemafhohoni added that parolees are not allowed to resign from their work or change their residential address without prior notice and consent of supervision officers in charge of their cases. “The parolees are also not permitted to leave their district without the approval of the Head of Community Correction. They are not allowed to visit places where alcohol beverages are consumed and may not use drugs or drink alcohol.”
Nemafhohoni added that should they fail to adhere to or comply with conditions set out, they will be referred to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. “Should they be found guilty of contravening their parole conditions, a warrant for their arrest may be issued. Parole is instituted until they finish whatever sentence they had been given by the court.” He added that the centre is still considering the release of more inmates that fit the criteria for the presidential pardon.
