What is Life Sentence?
Life imprisonment is any sentence of imprisonment for a crime under which convicted people are to remain in prison for the rest of their lives or indefinitely until pardoned, paroled, or otherwise commuted to a fixed term.
How Long Is Life Sentence In South Africa
Life imprisonment in South Africa has an indeterminate length and may last for the remainder of the offender’s life. It is a mandatory punishment for premeditated murder, gang rape, and serial rape including rape where the rapist knew they were HIV positive or if the victim was under 16 and/or mentally disabled.
Can you get parole on a life sentence in South Africa?
This means that an offender sentenced to life imprisonment has to be on parole for the rest of his life unless he or she is pardoned, or the sentence is commuted by the president under section 84 of the constitution.
How long is the parole period in South Africa?
The parole period for these offenders is a maximum of two years. Those sentenced to life imprisonment after September 30 2004 cannot be paroled until they have served at least 25 years.2
What are the types of parole in South Africa?
The South African Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 provides for three kinds of parole namely: full parole, day parole, and medical parole.
Can a prisoner attend a funeral in South Africa?
Temporary release
Every prisoner can apply for a leave of absence from prison for compassionate reasons. This could be for a funeral, a family visit, or a home visit. It can be granted when it is recognized that the leave will aid the prisoner’s rehabilitation.