Those who qualify for a special remission of sentence include sentenced offenders, probationers, parolees and day parolees, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Saturday.
Those who escaped and are still at large, and those classified as dangerous and agressive criminals do not qualify, he told a media briefing in Pretoria.
“The special remission...will see all sentenced inmates, probationers and parolees granted a six month remission of sentence...and an additional 12 months,” he said.
It was estimated that around 20 855 probationers and parolees, and 14 651 sentenced inmates would be released conditionally or unconditionally in terms of the process.
“This will reduce the level of overcrowding in Correctional Centres from 34 percent to approximately 20 percent,” said Mthethwa.
On Saturday, President Jacob Zuma announced that his administration would grant a special remission of sentence to specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees. - Sapa