Chapter 9 - Parole - South African Government Information

obtained this information himself as an official of the Department of Correctional
Services and that he could have done so with very little effort. As it transpired, it
took Mr Hlongwane, a mere prisoner without official authority, a number of trips to
the court before he could obtain this information. Clearly, there was sheer
incompetence in the manner in which officials dealt with this prisoner and a
general disregard of the rights of prisoners when they apply for parole. It is a
problem that is encountered all over the country where prisoners are simply
shunted from pillar to post by Departmental officials instead of receiving
assistance from these officials with the processes for obtaining parole.
Ms M.M. Kula, who was the then acting Chairperson of the Parole
Board, testified and also indicated that she had believed that Mr Hlongwane had
a further charge when in fact this was not the case. This once again indicates the
manner with which officials deal with information that is before them when
considering a prisoner for parole.
According to Mr Wilkins, when a prisoner is considered for placement on parole,
the following factors should, amongst others, be taken into account if he/she is a
suitable candidate for such placement:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
the rehabilitational level of the inmate;
whether he/she has atoned for the transgressions committed;
whether the objectives of the retributory element of punishment have
been reached; and
whether the inmate is a suitable candidate for placement on parole. This
refers to the supportive systems and structures to ensure the smooth
integration back into society.
He went on to testify in the case under discussion but said nothing positive or
negative pertaining to the level of rehabilitation. In fact, the evidence was that
Hlongwane was not referred to any programmes at Atteridgeville Prison at the
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