REMISSION OF SENTENCES NECESSARY

30 April 2012

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip in Parliament welcomes President Jacob Zuma's Freedom Day decision to grant special remission of sentence to certain categories of offenders. In terms of Section 84(2)(j) of the Constitution, the President is responsible for "pardoning or reprieving offenders and remitting any fines, penalties or forfeitures". This constitutional prerogative has been exercised by various presidents since 1994 to mark special national events.

We are pleased by the details announced by cabinet's Justice, Crime Prevention & Security Cluster as they clearly demonstrate the openness and transparency with which the president's decision is to be implemented by government. Of particular importance is the emphasis that this special remission of sentences excludes those who have been incarcerated for aggressive, sexual, firearm and drug related offences as well as escapees and absconders who are still at large. This is in line with our government's tough and uncompromising crime fighting policies.

President Zuma's decision is necessary, particularly in the light of the challenge of overcrowding in South African prisons. This exercise will therefore significantly reduce overcrowding and bolster the impact and effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes on serving inmates. 

We call on all recipients of this presidential remission to take full advantage of this opportunity and become useful and better members of the society. 

Statement issued by Moloto Mothapo, Office of the ANC Chief Whip in Parliament, April 30 2012

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