IFP Questions Balfour's Early Parole Plan

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MS SYBIL SEATON MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
 

November 3, 2006

The Inkatha Freedom Party is concerned about a new proposed early parole plan for 300 prisoners, said the IFP's Spokesperson on Correctional Services, Ms Sybil Seaton MP, today.

"We question Minister Balfour's reasons for wanting to give parole to 300 prisoners in an attempt to curb overcrowding in prisons. Firstly, the 300 prisoners will hardly make a dent in the overcrowding we are facing in prisons across the country, and secondly, why is he planning to set people free who have been sentenced to life behind bars for serious and heinous crimes? Surely there are 300 people currently behind bars who have served more than half of their sentences for petty crimes that could rather be considered for early parole," said Ms Seaton.

"Parliament's correctional services committee has found that the problem of overcrowding at prisons is disturbing, especially since most prisoners are petty criminals. Overcrowding is a serious problem, so, therefore the IFP feels that it is petty criminals, especially juveniles, who should get preference if an early parole system is considered and not people who are in prison serving life sentences," concluded Ms Seaton.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms Sybil Seaton MP 083 412 0075
Liezl van der Merwe 083 611 7470