Former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni has had his prison privileges curbed pending an investigation into allegations he breached his weekend parole conditions this past weekend.
Yengeni is alleged to have consumed alcohol and returned late from his parole to Malmesbury Prison.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Thursday, Minister of Correctional Services Ngconde Balfour said he had taken serious note of the allegations of the violation of the weekend parole conditions by ”offender Tony Yengeni”.
In view of the allegations that Yengeni violated his parole conditions at the weekend, the department had instituted certain measures.
Pending the investigation of the allegations, Yengeni would forfeit all privileges related to visits by his family and close associates for two weeks. He would also forfeit the privilege of using the phone to communicate with family, friends and colleagues for the same period.
Balfour said it should be noted that this was not a punitive measure, but conditions that would ensure the investigation was not hindered.
After finalisation of the investigation, the recommendations made from the probe would be considered and appropriate steps or actions taken.
”The department deplores and condemns breach of parole conditions by any offender and will ensure parole conditions are respected and observed at all times by every offender and family member.
There is only one policy regarding the conduct and treatment of all offenders and this has to be enforced and respected and its integrity protected at all times,” Balfour said. — Sapa