COMPLAINANT & VICTIM INVOLVEMENT IN PAROLE BOARDS

• Victims of crime in South Africa are empowered to participate in the parole process, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences considered.
• Through the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB), victims can attend meetings, provide representations, and suggest parole conditions, contributing to offender accountability and personal healing.
• This involvement reflects a commitment to justice, transparency, and the rehabilitation of offenders, while respecting victims’ dignity and rights.  

Victim Participation in the Parole Process  

In South Africa, victims of crime have the right to actively participate in the parole process of offenders. The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) ensures that victims’ voices are included in decisions regarding parole or correctional supervision. By attending meetings, submitting written or recorded statements, or using audio-visual systems, victims contribute meaningfully to this process, advocating for justice and accountability.  

How Victims Can Get Involved  

Registering with the Parole Board  

Victims who wish to participate must register their interest with the Parole Board responsible for the offender’s case. Once registered, victims are invited to attend meetings or make representations when the offender is considered for parole.  

Methods of Representation  

Victims can present their perspectives in several ways:  

• In Person: Attend the Parole Board meeting physically.  
• Written Statements: Submit detailed written impact statements.  
• Recorded Submissions: Provide tape recordings expressing their views.  
• Audio-Visual System: Participate remotely through digital systems available nationwide.  

Victims may also bring a support person to these meetings, provided the Parole Board is informed in advance for security reasons.  

Crimes Eligible for Victim Participation  

The CSPB prioritises victim involvement in cases of severe offences, including:  

• Murder  
• Rape or compelled rape  
• Armed robbery causing grievous harm  
• Kidnapping  
• Sexual offences such as assault or trafficking  
• Crimes under the Domestic Violence Act, 1998  

Providing Impact Statements 
Victims are encouraged to submit impact statements, detailing the physical, emotional, and financial effects of the offence on their lives. Alternatively, they can provide a statement of opposition, explaining why the offender should not be granted parole.  

Recommendations on Parole Conditions 
If parole is granted, victims have the opportunity to suggest conditions to be imposed on the offender, such as restricted contact or specific behavioural requirements.  

Mediation and Victim-Offender Dialogue 
Victims interested in reconciliation or closure can engage in Victim-Offender Mediation (VOM) or Victim-Offender Dialogue (VOD). These processes are facilitated by trained mediators and aim to foster healing and promote successful offender reintegration.  

Victims’ Rights and Confidentiality  

The Department of Correctional Services ensures that victims’ contact information remains confidential. Victims are also entitled to:  

• Updates on the offender’s status, such as transfers, escape, or parole revocation.  
• Information on rehabilitation programmes undertaken by the offender, subject to consent.  

Support Services
Counselling and other support services are available to victims before and after Parole Board meetings. These services are provided by the Department, NGOs, and faith-based organisations, ensuring victims have access to psychological and social support.  

Appeals and Review of Parole Decisions 
Victims dissatisfied with a Parole Board decision can request a review by the Minister, Inspecting Judge, or National Commissioner. The Review Board acts as a safeguard, ensuring decisions are fair and in line with the law.  

Contacting the Parole Board  
Victims can reach the Parole Board through:  

• – The correctional facility nearest to the sentencing court.  
• – The Department of Correctional Services website (www.dcs.gov.za](http://www.dcs.gov.za).

Regional contact numbers provided by the DCS, including:  

• National Head Office: 012 307 2000  
• Gauteng: 012 420 0100  
• KwaZulu-Natal: 033 355 7300  
• Western Cape: 021 550 6003