Community urged to play an active role in the release of prisoners
DCS used this platform to provide answers to community members on questions such as if they have a say when the offender appears before the parole board.
LANGELOOP – The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) recently extended an invitation to the community to play an active role in the release of prisoners prior to serving their full sentences.
This came to light during the launch of the Victims Offender Dialogue programme at the Langeloop community hall.
DCS used this platform to provide answers to community members on questions such as if they have a say when the offender appears before the parole board, and if they are allowed to enter into conservation with their offenders.
The event started with a march from the community’s central location, signifying unity which the department hopes to establish between itself and the community.
Speaking to our sister newspaper Corridor Gazette Correctional Services’ acting area commissioner and head of social reintegration for the Barberton management area, Ms Zodwa Mthethwa (Ntini), said DCS needed community participation in its rehabilitation programmes, and victims should approach DCS if they would like to enter into conversations with their offenders.
“We are doing an awareness campaign aimed at informing the community that we need them to support our rehabilitation programmes for offenders and also support offenders who have been released back into communities. We also need them to know that they can assist us in the monitoring of released offender. Should a victim wish to speak to their offender/offenders, they are most welcome to inform the DCS so that it can arrange for this. Victims can also be involved in the parole board hearing of their offenders, where we are able to arrange that they can be transported to the parole board with mediation when meeting offenders,” Mthethwa said.
Previous offenders Mr Eric Magugula and Doctor Mashele also shared their stories with the gathered community as to how DCS has assisted them in changing their lives, and how the support from their communities has contributed to this.
Magagula is a high school teacher and Mashele is an author.
