Inmates' freedom 'worrying'
by
2008-12-04 08:14
Dear Editor,
It is with great disgust that I write this letter. The Herald has reported that on Friday the 5th of December, more than 1 000 inmates will be released from Eastern Cape prisons due to overcrowding thanks to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
It is estimated that it costs you, the tax paying, law abiding citizen, R600 per day to maintain these scumbags. And due to this, and overcrowding, these animals will receive an early Christmas present by being let loose in our streets over the festive season.
They don't want the public to ring alarm bells because only those that were granted R1 000 bail or less, and could not afford bail, will be released. But they admitted that among those released are convicted murderers, rapists and robbers.
On the other hand a court official has said that it's a straight forward release and no selection criteria is specified because of the over crowding situation. Now who do you believe?
Is the government actually just going to let them out without even looking at their records?
The way they are going to monitor them is the best ladies and gentleman. Those released must have a fixed address where prison officials can easily find them.
Wow, how do you track someone in rural villages were thousands of people live in shacks? And when I get a "get-outta-jail-free-card", the first thing I'll do is disappear.
But it doesn't end there! Then they approach the victim of the crime and their family informing them of their decision in that way "empowering" the victim in becoming their eyes and ears.
So now that the bastard is out I have to keep track of him as well? I'd be very worried, because the man you put in jail is out now. What are we paying these people for?
The government wants to regain our trust by releasing criminals out onto the streets again? I say save us the money, bring back the death penalty and they can gladly spend my R600 on ammunition to execute some of them.
But hey, that's just me.
Gino Nel,
Eastern Cape
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