PAROLEES FOUND IN BREACH
DCS swoop in unannounced monitoring operation in Mitchells Plain
National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale led a parole monitoring operation at Mitchells Plain. It was focusing on those sentenced for GBV and femicide.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
AN UNANNOUNCED monitoring operation by the Department of Correctional Services found two parolees in breach of their release conditions.
Tuesday night’s mission in Mitchells Plain was led by the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Makgothi Thobakgale, focusing on individuals sentenced for gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide-related crimes.
Thobakgale said the checks were designed to ensure parolees complied with the strict conditions of their release and to reassure the public that offenders were being closely monitored.
While visiting addresses, Thobakgale explained to reporters that they were dropping in on more than 40 parolees, with four teams on the ground.
He said: “We chose this area because of the high number of rapes that take place here.
“The commissioner said two parolees were found outside their homes when the teams arrived, which amounted to a breach of their conditions.
“We explained to them that they should not be outside their yard at this time of night. Of course, one said he went to attend church.
“But as I’ve explained, you must get permission, and we must know where you are at all times.”
Despite these breaches, Thobakgale said he was encouraged to find all the parolees sober.
He added: “That is important, because many crimes are linked to alcohol and substance abuse. It shows us that at least some conditions are being respected.”
Parole conditions vary depending on the circumstances of the offender, he added.
“Some parolees are not allowed to leave their yard without explicit permission from a parole officer. If they attend church, they must provide a letter from the institution. If they work, they must give us a letter from the employer. The principle is that we need to know their whereabouts at all times. If the conditions change, they need to inform us, and we must approve it,” he explained.
“These are parolees who have committed crimes that threaten the safety of women and children. It is very, very critical that they comply with their conditions, or else we will revoke their parole and take them back into correctional facilities.”