Happy Freedom Day. Even if we aren’t feeling very free today, a lot of prisoners will.
Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the release of thousands of inmates today.
Awaiting-trial prisoners and nonviolent offenders eligible for parole will be released to contain the spread of Covid-19 in overcrowded prisons.
With severe overcrowding in prisons, social distancing is impossible. There are an estimated 162,875 prisoners in SA prisons – with bed spaces for only 118,572.
.
CEO Mungo Soggot was formerly News Editor at the Mail & Guardian. Phillip van Niekerk, the legendary former editor of the
Scrolla, published by Olduvai Pty, subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Public Advocate at 011 4843612, fax: 011 4843619. You can also contact our Case Officer on [email protected] or lodge a complaint on our website: www.presscouncil.org.za.
