Release of 19,000 prisoners is necessary, Lamola tells Parly

CAPE TOWN - Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has on Monday told members of Parliament the release of 19,000 prisoners was necessary.

MPs questioned Lamola about the move, which will see thousands of low-risk offenders paroled to curb the spread of COVID-19 behind bars.Lamola gave Parliament’s justice and correctional services committee a political overview of his department's plan. He said it was informed by the number of positive tests picked up in some Eastern Cape and the Western Cape prisons.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the requirements to reduce the number of people in correctional centres.” Lamola said although the virus has infected less than 1% of the prison population, overcrowding was a threat that would undermine efforts to fight the virus.

To open jails for those who exercise maybe. Another idiotic decision

This is another muthead...has he seen the lack of social distancing etc amongst the poor in this country. Where does he think this 19000 will fit in with society?

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