Statement on consideration of parole for inmate Derby-Lewis

10 Dec 2010

In terms of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, it is the Minister of Correctional Services who takes a final decision on whether offenders serving life sentences in incarceration be placed on parole or not.

The minister, however, takes this decision based upon a favourable recommendation by the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS). This has been the departmental position since 1982.

Offender, Derby-Lewis, was informed today of the minister's decision based on the recommendation by the NCCS that he should not be placed on parole as yet.

The NCCS has recommended that a number of further documents should be provided to them in order to consider the placement on parole of this inmate.

The NCCS was therefore not in a position to make a recommendation based on the merits of this case, but has recommended that the offender should again appear before the NCCS at its first meeting in 2011 to be considered for placement on parole.

Statement issued by Sonwabo Mbananga, Ministerial Spokesperson, Department of Correctional Services, December 10 2010

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