Pretoria- President Jacob Zuma says special remission of sentence to specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees will be granted.
"In keeping with the spirit of the celebration of our 18 years of freedom, and in line with established international practice, I have decided, in terms of the powers given to me by section 84 (2) J of the Constitution, to grant a special remission of sentence to specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees," he said.
Zuma was speaking at the commemoration of Freedom Day at the Union Buildings on Friday.
The remissions are happening for the first time under the current administration. Remissions were previously granted on 30 May 2005 in the first year of former President Thabo Mbeki's second term of office.
Previous remissions were granted on 10 May 1994 at former President Nelson Mandela's Inauguration and again on 27 April 1995 on the first anniversary of South Africa's freedom. It was again granted on 18 July 1998-Mandela's 80th birthday. The previous remissions were granted to coincide with key national days.
Zuma said the Ministers of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster will provide the relevant details and specific circumstances with regard to those offenders who will benefit from the reduction of a part of their sentence as a result of the decision.
The President said the categories and the lengths of reduction will be based on the decision of Cabinet in relation to the previous special remission of 2005.
The following categories will apply:
Six months blanket special remission of sentence to all sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees, and an additional 12 months special remission of sentence for all sentenced inmates, probationers and parolees excluding sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees who have been sentenced for aggressive, sexual, firearm and drug related offences.
People who are declared dangerous criminals in terms of section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1957.
