THE opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has lashed the government’s decision to release another 7_ 000 prisoners as either a misguided crime-prevention strategy or no strategy at all by government to reduce crime. The DA said the additional release was in effect eroding the independent judicial decision of magistrates and judges. Their reaction follows the Department of Correctional Services’ announcement that a further 7 _000 prisoners would be released countrywide in “controllable groups” and placed on parole as of October 9. Earlier this month about 11 _000 prisoners were set free nationwide in terms of a decision made by the government to alleviate overcrowding in prisons. The Department said the prisoners excluded those who had committed serious and sexual crimes, and they were expected to abide by set parole conditions, such as staying in their homes on certain hours and participating in social programmes.