Ensuring safety: Unannounced checks on 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.

On Tuesday night, Thobakgale together with his officials carried out a visit in Mitchell's 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.

“We explained to them that they should not be outside their yard at this time of night. Of course, one said he went to attend church. But as I’ve explained, you must get permission, and we must know where you are at all times,” he said.

Despite these breaches, Thobakgale said he was encouraged to find all the parolees sober.

“That is important, because many crimes are linked to alcohol and substance abuse. It shows us that at least some conditions are being respected.”

Parole conditions vary depending on the circumstances of the offender, he added.

“Some parolees are not allowed to leave their yard without explicit permission from a parole officer. If they attend church, they must provide a letter from the institution. If they work, they must give us a letter from the employer. The principle is that we need to know their whereabouts at all times. If the conditions change, they need to inform us, and we must approve it,” he explained.

Thobakgale said he was “satisfied, but not entirely” with the evening’s operation.

“These are parolees who have committed crimes that threaten the safety of women and children. It is very, very critical that they comply with their conditions, or else we will revoke their parole and take them back into correctional facilities.”

The commissioner said the DCS conducts both scheduled and unannounced checks, with parole officers tasked with monitoring, home visits, and community service compliance.

Despite the strict supervision, some parolees say they are committed to rehabilitation and reintegration.

“I’m back in the community and I am working with my father,” said parolee Hyron Albertus.

“We are both jack-of-all-trades; we do painting and other kinds of work. I will continue to stick to the conditions of my parole.”

Somaya Klaas, whose brother Clive Venter was released on parole in June, said: “Since his release, he has been helping me around the house. My husband passed away, and he has taken over some of his roles at home; he has made my life easier.”

Thobakgale said the unannounced visits would continue.

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