The plight of 120 prisoners serving life sentences was reviewed last month, but none was found to deserve early release, South African Broadcasting Corporation news reported on Friday.
The review was conducted by the National Council for Correctional Services, chaired by Judge Siraj Desai.
”Firstly, they have not served sufficient portions of their sentences. Secondly, and most importantly, many of them constitute [a] danger to society,” Desai said. ”It is best for all of us that they remain incarcerated.”
South Africa has 240 lifers who have each served 15 years of their sentences. The council said it considered half of these cases last month.
Desai denied that public opinion might have swayed the council’s decision not to recommend their release, but conceded this was a factor that could not be ignored.
”Public opinion is very important, because it is not something in the air. It reflects genuine fear of society that many dangerous criminals will be released into their midst.”
The council will meet again next week in Pretoria to consider the rest of the 240 cases. — Sapa