The Parole Board is the body responsible for considering whether an offender is suitable for placement on parole and what conditions should be imposed. It consists of a chairperson, deputy chairperson and members.
The parole board can make decisions on the revocation of parole by taking into consideration all relevant circumstances in each case, including the offender’s age and health; their criminal history; any previous attempts at rehabilitation or treatment; any mental illness they may have suffered from while in prison; their motivation to reform themselves within society (if applicable); any intention to commit future offences once released from custody/parole.
Parole in South Africa
In addition to making a decision on whether to grant parole, the Parole Board can also revoke parole if an offender violates their conditions or commits a new offence. The board may also revoke parole if an offender is unsuitable for placement on parole.
The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services plays an important role in the parole process by proclaiming offenders who have committed serious crimes as unsuitable for placement on parole.
The minister can also revoke parole, amend the conditions of parole, or even cancel it entirely if he feels that an individual cannot be released from prison without endangering society or themselves. The final authority over whether an offender is granted or denied a release from prison is with the minister himself.
Parole restrictions in South Africa
- You must inform the Parole Board of your new address.
- You must ask permission to travel outside your district.
- If you have changed employment or residence, you must report to the parole officer at regular intervals.
