Parliament's portfolio committee on Correctional Services heard today that at least 126 of those released under a special COVID-19 dispensation, have since re-offended. Courtesy #DStv403
CAPE TOWN - At least six murders have been committed by offenders released from prisons under a special COVID-19 dispensation.
But none of the 14,000 offenders released was actually in jail for murder.
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services heard on Wednesday that at least 126 of those released have since re-offended.
A year ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 19,000 inmates would be released.
READ: COVID-19: Under 19,000 prisoners to be released on parole
It was a move to reduce overcrowding in prisons in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Correctional Services says a further audit has revealed that in fact only just over 17,900 inmates qualified for early release.
