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14 May 2012

MEC for Human Settlements, Safety and Liaison Helen Sauls-August has appealed to the Eastern Cape community to accept the prisoners who will be released by the correctional services department as part of remission of sentences granted by the President Jacob Zuma on Freedom day.

The provincial correctional services department announced last week that it would release convicted women, elderly, disabled offenders and youth under the age of 21.

MEC August said Eastern Cape Community should welcome these prisoners and help them adapt to a crime free life. August called on Correctional parole boards in preparing communities to accept released offenders.

"It is important that they are welcomed back and embraced into our communities to steer them away from criminal activities," she said.  She is making a clarion call to the church, parents and traditional leaders to help the released prisoners adapt in life outside prison."We also appeal to business communities to assist by giving them an opportunity to do decent work."

"The released offenders must be involved in community development and crime fighting initiatives in their areas. They must show their gratitude to the remission by the President by making the province a safer, drug free place." It is important that their families give them unconditional support instead of judging them as that will help them stay away from crime, she said adding that the police will also monitor the released offenders particularly those who had been in jail for a long time.

Issued by: Eastern Cape Safety and Liaison
14 May 2012

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