Cape Town — The new Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, acknowledged that the death penalty is against the Constitution, after he called for serious consequences for criminals who roam the streets freely.
Groenewald and his pary, Freedom Front Plus (FF+), joined the Government of National Unity (GNU) and wa eligible for one position in the cabinet, which went to him as the new Correctional Services Minister. He admitted that he was surprised by the call as the party had not been in negotiations but he accepted after speaking to leaders of his party.
Now, as he settles into his new role, he spoke about his previous calls to bring back the death penalty as he could not bear to see criminals go unpunished for their acts, but said the country can only do what is according to the Constitution, EWN reported.
“I said many times the problem with crime in South Africa and the fact that its impunity people get away with crime. Therefore, if we look at capital punishment, the Constitution prohibits it, so we will have to find other ways to ensure there is accountability.”
His first action of business is to visit the Mangaung correctional facility, where Thabo Bester escaped from, as he wants a briefing on private prisons.
“I said the first person, first facility I want to visit is (the)Thabo Bester facility, and I want to meet with the CEO of the private company as well.”
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika ahead of his swearing-in on Wednesday, Groenewald said he plans to root out corruption at these correctional facilities and wants inmates to return to living normal lives after their release. He also said he is committed to finding ways to save taxpayers money within prisons.
“This thing about hard labour and everything, that is not true. What I said is, we will see how we can save money for the taxpayers of South Africa. I do believe the facilities, correctional facilities must start to produce their own food again.” he said.
“They have the agricultural land, it is there. There are proposals (and) institutions who want to assist with that. I will seriously look into that matter so that we can save taxpayers’ money. There is nothing wrong to ensure that facilities produce their own vegetables and their own food,” said Groenewald added.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald says they need to ensure that people are rehabilitated so they can go back to normal life and contribute to building South Africa. Groenewald also says that there is a need to get rid of corruption.
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— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 3, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
