Lentswe, Hartbeesfontein - Parolees received a visit last week to ensure they comply with their parole conditions. Klerksdorp Community Corrections, in collaboration with key stakeholders including the police, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and the CPF, conducted this special monitoring operation in Hartbeesfontein and Tigane on March 26.
The acting Station Commander, Capt Nthebolang Moleleki, expressed his gratitude for hosting such an important initiative at their police station. He emphasized the significance of strengthening partnerships in ensuring effective monitoring and support for parolees.
Explaining the purpose of the initiative, Head of Klerksdorp Community Corrections, Sechaba Mohlabe, highlighted that one of the department’s core mandates is to collaborate with stakeholders in monitoring parolees and ensuring they comply with their parole conditions. He stressed that, special monitoring provides a platform for various entities to engage, intervene, and support parolees, helping to prevent them from relapsing into criminal activities.
Mohlabe further revealed that the area has a case load of 139 parolees, with the monitored area experiencing high incidences of serious crimes, particularly murder and rape. Disturbingly, statistics indicate that of the 12 recorded murder cases, three were committed by women and nine by men, while 29 cases of rape were documented in the area.
Klerksdorp Unit Manager Dina Moseki provided an overview of the progress made since the previous special monitoring session, noting both improvements and ongoing challenges faced by parolees. She stated that, stakeholders who committed to assist parolees from the last special monitoring have done so, which is encouraging that we are making progress.
The monitoring operation commenced in Tigane and surrounding areas, where officials visited eight households of parolees to assess their reintegration progress. Arriving at the home of parole Dikeledi Shuping, the monitoring team found a challenging situation. However, her parents demonstrated unwavering support, and Shuping acknowledged that, despite difficulties, family support has helped her navigate life outside prison over the past nine months.
Another parolee, Gieness Manamela, shared his struggles with finding employment despite possessing remarkable artistic skills acquired during incarceration. His case underscored the critical need for economic empowerment initiatives to help former offenders build sustainable livelihoods.
Each parolee’s situation was assessed individually, and stakeholders pledged assistance where possible. The Department of Agriculture, for instance, committed to supporting those interested in starting backyard gardens as a means of self-sustainability.
Area Commissioner Minah Maile commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of parole monitoring is to prevent reoffending. She applauded the team for actively working hard to ensure that parolees receive the necessary support, allowing them to reintegrate successfully into society.
She added that, special monitoring initiative reaffirmed the importance of a collective approach in rehabilitating parolees and reducing crime in the community. “By strengthening partnerships and providing targeted interventions, the justice system can create a pathway for successful reintegration and a safer society,” concluded Maile.
