The Minister of Correctional Services says there is an urgent need for parole reform.

In a parliamentary reply following the recent National Parole Summit the Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald confirmed that more than 18000 parolees reoffended in the past three years. Among them were 493 accused of murder and 624 of rape.

Between 2022 and 2024, more than 46 000 inmates were released on parole, but the department recorded over 28 000 violations in the past five years. The majority of these breaches were linked to reoffending, raising questions about the effectiveness of the system.

The minister stressed that it is the responsibility of those who rule the country to ensure the safety of each and every resident in South Africa.

“We want to engage key role players to find suitable measures to improve the parole system. We will have ongoing discussions to find a way to work around the challenges we face in the sector.”

Groenewald confirmed that if needs be, members of the national assembly will have to ensure that legislation is changed to the benefit of the people of South Africa.

“We are representatives of the electorate of South Africa and we will have to listen to what the people have to say and work around the best ways to ensure that their concerns are addressed.”

 

ALSO READ: Parole consideration for Leigh Matthews’ killer, Donovan Moodley