Prison pardons: Rapists, murderers to stay put
NCS allays fears
Deputy commissioner General Sam Shaalulange explained that all the eligible inmates will not be released at the same time.
The Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) yesterday clarified that inmates convicted of serious crimes have not been considered for release.
This after the announcement of a presidential pardon and reprieve proclamation by President Nangolo Mbumba, which will see over 2 000 inmates being set free.
At an information-sharing conference, NCS deputy commissioner General Sam Shaalulange said those convicted of treason, murder, rape and drug-related offences were not considered for pardoning. Only individuals incarcerated for petty crimes were eligible.
The conference was organised to address questions and concerns following the announcement that 313 inmates would be pardoned, while 1 108 would be released on reprieve. A further 709 inmates on community supervision will be pardoned, while 98 will be sent home on reprieve.
Shaalulange explained that approved inmates will not be released all at once. “There is a misconception that all the offenders will be released at once. However, reprieve does not lead to immediate release. Instead, it brings the release date closer. For example, if you were sentenced to six years in prison and granted a reprieve of 12 months, your sentence would be reduced by one year, meaning you would be released in five years instead of six."
Thorough assessments
When asked about conditions for released offenders and the risk of them reoffending, Shaalulange assured that all those approved for release were thoroughly assessed, deemed fit for reintegration, posed no threat and maintained good conduct and discipline in correctional facilities.
He also clarified that the release and reprieve of inmates is no new occurrence, having taken place several times before, most recently in 2020.
Meanwhile, an inmate’s release under the proclamation does not change their criminal record, which remains as is, he said.
"The pardon is merely on the sentence and on the record.”
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This after the announcement of a presidential pardon and reprieve proclamation by President Nangolo Mbumba, which will see over 2 000 inmates being set free.
At an information-sharing conference, NCS deputy commissioner General Sam Shaalulange said those convicted of treason, murder, rape and drug-related offences were not considered for pardoning. Only individuals incarcerated for petty crimes were eligible.
The conference was organised to address questions and concerns following the announcement that 313 inmates would be pardoned, while 1 108 would be released on reprieve. A further 709 inmates on community supervision will be pardoned, while 98 will be sent home on reprieve.
Shaalulange explained that approved inmates will not be released all at once. “There is a misconception that all the offenders will be released at once. However, reprieve does not lead to immediate release. Instead, it brings the release date closer. For example, if you were sentenced to six years in prison and granted a reprieve of 12 months, your sentence would be reduced by one year, meaning you would be released in five years instead of six."
Thorough assessments
When asked about conditions for released offenders and the risk of them reoffending, Shaalulange assured that all those approved for release were thoroughly assessed, deemed fit for reintegration, posed no threat and maintained good conduct and discipline in correctional facilities.
He also clarified that the release and reprieve of inmates is no new occurrence, having taken place several times before, most recently in 2020.
Meanwhile, an inmate’s release under the proclamation does not change their criminal record, which remains as is, he said.
"The pardon is merely on the sentence and on the record.”
[email protected]
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