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The South African Prisoners Organization for Human Rights says the government needs to expand its category for prisoners who qualify for the parole waiver.
Inmates of Pollsmoor prison looking out of a window at the facility. Image: EWN
JOHANNESBURG – The South African Prisoners Organization for Human Rights says the government needs to expand its category for prisoners who qualify for the parole waiver.
To curb the spread of COVID-19 in prisons and alleviate overcrowding, President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the parole of at least 19,000 inmates.
However, not all prisoners made the cut, those convicted of serious crimes such as sex crimes, murder, gender violence, and child abuse have been excluded.
The organization’s spokesperson, Golden Bhudu, says the criterion is to discriminate against prisoners.
He says the president should double the number of those expected to be released.
“The president must be reminded that there are terminally ill people in prison who are a waste of taxpayers’ money. These people must be considered. There are people who have never committed these crimes but because they don’t have the money to pay the best lawyers in the country. “
The total number of positive cases at correctional facility facilities across the country now stands at 177, with 99 staff and 78 inmates.
(Edited by Refilwe Pitjeng)
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