Pretoria – Acting Correctional Services Minister Faith Muthambi says the responsibility of the Department of Correctional Services is not to keep individuals out of circulation in society but to correct offending behaviour.
“The responsibility of the department is, first and foremost, to correct offending behaviour in a secure, safe and humane environment,” the Minister said.
Speaking at a Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards Imbizo at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria on Monday, Minister Muthambi said there is a need for the current parole system to be reviewed.
“It must be emphasised that parole takes place under the guidance of Correctional officials based in the community and under conditions determined by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB) on the basis of the assessment of the parole,” Minister Muthambi said.
Minister Muthambi said in recent years, the department received criticism about the state of parole, suggesting that the current parole system should be substantially reorganised.
She said the department continues to work hard to turn prisons into Correctional Centres.
“The Department of Correctional Services continues to work hard to turn prisons into Correctional Centres through offering various services. To me, this is an indication of how we need to ensure that our parole boards are supported and empowered,” the Minister said, adding that there is a need to deal with the parole backlog.
Minister Muthambi emphasised that when offenders are considered for parole, victims must be consulted and informed of the intention to release the offender. – SAnews.gov.za
