Unannounced parole checks target GBV offenders in Mitchells Plain

THE National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Makgothi Thobakgale and his team have a caseload of more than 40 parolees sentenced for gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide-related crimes who are under their radar for unannounced monitoring visits.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

On Tuesday night, Thobakgale together with his officials carried out a visit in Mitchells Plain.

He said the checks were designed to ensure parolees complied with the strict conditions of their release and to reassure the public that offenders were being closely monitored.

"We chose this area because of the high number of rapes that take place here," he explained.

"So far, we have visited about 13 houses, with four teams on the ground. Our team alone has checked five homes, while the other teams are still conducting visits. We are looking at a caseload of more than 40 parolees."

The commissioner said two parolees were found outside their homes when the teams arrived, which amounted to a breach of their conditions.