Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald flags urgent parole reform amid shocking reoffender stats

Over 18,000 parolees have reoffended in South Africa over the past three years, with hundreds accused of serious crimes, including murder and rape. 

Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald reveals that 493 parolees were accused of murder and 624 of rape during this period. 

He describes the figures as 'totally unacceptable' and a failure of the rehabilitation system.

Groenewald points to overcrowding in prisons and inadequate risk assessments as key drivers behind the high reoffending rate, which peaked at 45% in 2022/23 and currently stands at 41.8%. 

He warns that young offenders are often exposed to hardened criminals while awaiting trial, worsening their chances of rehabilitation. 

Groenewald explains that a long-delayed revision of the parole system is now being fast-tracked, including plans to introduce electronic monitoring bands and expand parole boards to include specialists like psychiatrists and social workers. 

"If a parolee has a medium or high risk of reoffending, such a person cannot be released on parole.

"As Minister, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that we protect the people of South Africa. We have a responsibility to keep them safe."

A national summit on parole reform was held in September, and new measures could be rolled out before the end of the year.

Dr Pieter Groenewald spoke to Kgomotso Modise.

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