/ 11 September 2010

Derby-Lewis ‘won’t be out by Christmas’

The Department of Correctional Services on Saturday denied reports that a final decision on the parole application of Clive Derby-Lewis — the man who planned the murder of struggle hero Chris Hani — would be made next month.

“It is also false to say that he will be out by Christmas,” ministerial spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga told the South African Press Association in a telephonic interview.

Mbananga said two recommendations were made when deciding on the parole for a prisoner serving a life sentence.

One recommendation is made by the parole board to the National Council on Correctional Services (NCCS), who then makes a recommendation to the minister of correctional services.

He said recommendations regarding Derby-Lewis had been made by the parole board, but the report had not yet reached the NCCS.

Mbananga said the next sitting of the NCCS would take place at the end of October and Derby-Lewis’s case might be tabled then.

The Saturday Star reported that Derby-Lewis could be a free man by Christmas, a report Mbananga vehemently denied. – Sapa