The parole of former gang leader Rashied Staggie is a test for the correctional services department, the DA said.
|||Cape Town - The parole of former Hard Livings gang leader Rashied Staggie is a test for the correctional services department, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday.
“Perhaps the greatest test for South Africa’s correctional services today, is whether it has been able to rehabilitate Mr Staggie and prepare him for release back into society during his 10 year incarceration,” DA MP James Selfe said in a statement.
“The DA will be closely monitoring the situation and trust that every possible measure has been taken to ensure that Mr Staggie’s release does not result in any further gang-related violence.”
Staggie was released on day parole from Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town on Monday morning.
Staggie served 11 years of a 15-year sentence for kidnapping and ordering the rape of a teenager. He was recently transferred to Pollsmoor Prison from the Brandvlei Correctional Centre.
He would have to return to the prison at night until his release on full parole on March 25. An electronic tracking device would be used to monitor his movements.
Selfe said that if Staggie violated any of his parole conditions, he should immediately be re-arrested.
“Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele and his department must ensure that Mr Staggie adheres to all his parole conditions, including reporting back to Pollsmoor every night,” he said.
“We also call on the SA Police Service to be on high alert and decisively address any potential increase in gang violence following Mr Staggie’s release.”
Sapa