Didn't take their chance at freedom

Forty-three of the offenders who were granted special remission of sentence by President Jacob Zuma are back in jail, the Department of Correctional Services said on Tuesday.

No details were provided.

President Jacob Zuma announced on April 27, Freedom Day, that his administration would grant the special remission to specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa had said more than 35,000 offenders could be released, depending on an assessment.

It was estimated that around 20,855 probationers and parolees, and 14,651 sentenced inmates would be released “conditionally or unconditionally” in terms of an assessment process.

Offenders who qualified could only be released from May 14 in “controllable groups”.

Those sentenced for aggressive, sexual, firearm and drug related offences did not qualify for the special remission.