FREEDOM DAY WITH A DIFFERENCE FOR PRISONERS
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Correctional Services Pretoria
Prisoners at Pretoria Central
On
the 27th of April 2012 President Jacob Zuma's Freedom Day speech had a
different approach. He addressed various issues which our country is
faced with, however what stood out the most was his decision regarding
prisoners, he decided to grant a special remission of sentence to
specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees.
Since Zuma has been in power he has never considered deducting sentence from prisoners, he stated in his speech that 'this is the first time we have taken a decision to grant such remission under the current term of this office of this administration'
Previous president Mr Nelson Mandela granted his remission to offenders on May 10 1994, April 27th his first Freedom day as President of South Africa and lastly on July 18th 1998 this was his 80th birthday. He used to explain that granting remission to petty offenders gives them hope and second chances at being better people. Thabo Mbeki granted his remission on 30th May 2005.
Many offenders would complain on broadcast media eg; radio voicing out their frustrations about the issue of overcrowding in Prisons and lack of facilities to help rehabilitate themselves. Prisoners felt used because they vote for ANC but their needs are never considered.
The categories and the lengths of
reduction will be based on the decision of Cabinet in relation to the previous
special remission of 2005, in terms of which the following categories will
apply:
- 6
months blanket special remission of sentence to all sentenced offenders,
probationers and parolees, and an additional 12 months special remission
of sentence for all sentenced inmates, probationers and parolees,
excluding sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees who have been
sentenced for aggressive, sexual, firearm and drug related offenses.
What classifies a petty crime?, because I think this might be great for the offenders. Perphase a chance for them to become better people but how do you classify the impact it has on the victim. You have state the case and its benefits to the offenders, the impact of the crime can only be leveled with the the amount of pain the victims have experience, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteWhen a general announcement like this is made to the general public that criminals are being returned to your communities without any consultation but don't worry they are "petty" criminals. I wonder if consideration has bee given as to the type of reception they will receive especially in light of the recent mob justice given out for the theft of a cell phone.
ReplyDeleteEveryone deserves a second chance, these offenders have been voting for the past four years its about time their votes count for something. we all have rights even them as prisoners.
ReplyDeletetrue, why vote if you wont benefit from it
ReplyDelete48 of these prisoners are already back behind bars. I am not surprised are you.
ReplyDelete