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The "totally deplorable, reprehensible and completely unacceptable" actions of the Correctional Services Department - words used in court to describe the Department by Judge Du Plessis - has led to the release of a double murderer after just seven years served in jail. This again highlights the utter incompetence of the Department of Correctional Services.

The prisoner in question had been sentenced to 20 years in jail, however when his application for parole was turned down, he went to the courts claiming he did not have a fair trial. It is reported that the Correctional Services Department opposed his application for release, however it has now emerged that the Department simply did not bother to file any answering papers, or even so much as send representatives to attend the court's hearing on this matter. The judge found that the actions of the Department had been "completely unacceptable". It appears that, directly as a result of this utter incompetence, the judge was presented with no option but to order the parole of this inmate.

The Department's lax attitude towards the justice system and failure to comply with basic duties, is most concerning.

Of most concern is the fact that this failure to function has had direct implications on justice and rehabilitation.

We have already submitted parliamentary questions in this regard and will take this matter up with the portfolio committee on Correctional Services.