GCIS
Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed the release of more than 2 500 inmates on special remission in an attempt to deal with overcrowding in prisons nationwide.
He spoke at the fire-damaged Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Makhado on Thursday.
A fire broke out at the privately run facility earlier this month, killing one inmate and injuring 18 others.
The fire has forced Correctional Services to transfer over 3000 inmates to other centres across the country.
"Along the categories approved by President Ramaphosa through the special remission, children under 18 years a total of 80 were released, youth from 18 to 25 total of 640 were released, adults between 26 to 64 a total of 1876 released, elderly 65 and older 80 have been released, disabled people seven of them have been released.”
“This amounts to 2 533 thus far that have been released," Lamola said.
The special remission of non-violent offenders' sentences has been in the spotlight since former president Jacob Zuma was granted one last week.
