Andile Lungisa's parole splits Mzansi
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Image: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Felix Dlangamandla
The release of former ANC Nelson Mandela Bay councillor Andile Lungisa on parole this week has received mixed reactions on social media.
Lungisa was released on parole on Tuesday just 75 days after he surrendered himself to the North End Prison. He was imprisoned after smashing a glass water jug over the head of DA councillor Rano Kayser in 2016.
Correctional services department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said Lungisa was released because he was classified as a “first-time offender with a positive support system” and “responded positively to rehabilitation programmes”.
Nxumalo said Lungisa's parole placement is in line with section 73(7)(a) of the Correctional Services Act.
He said the special remission of sentences granted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in December last year reduced Lungisa’s sentence by 12 months, and saw more than 14,000 inmates benefit.
“This parole placement means Lungisa will serve the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, wherein he will be expected to comply with a specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until the sentence expires,” said Nxumalo.
While many voiced their surprise at the decision, former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa said if no law was broken by granting Lungisa parole, it was “petty” of people to single him out.
“Many people are paroled every day through the same process without saying anything, maybe because it’s not reported or we don’t know the convicts. Let’s stick to principles,” said Shilowa.
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If no laws were broken and Andile was due for parole it is petty to single him out as if he received favours. Many people are paroled everyday through same process without is saying anything, maybe because it’s not reported or we don’t know the convicts. Let’s stick to principles
— Mbhazima Shilowa (@Enghumbhini) December 1, 2020
Here is a snapshot of what many had to say on social media.
😅😅😂 What was the point of Andile Lungisa going to "prison" wasting our tax money, court & police resources.
— Mr High Morals & Principles 😎 (@Msihlezin) December 1, 2020
When his gonna be out in 2 mins. He could have just said his sorry & let it go.
I can't believe his out after all that noise 😅😅😂
I'm sure that #AndileLungisa must feel like a liberation hero/ stalwart wherever he is. pic.twitter.com/jE9LmIjzUl
— Raised in Africa. (@paballo_patsa) December 1, 2020
The release of #AndileLungisa is welcomed, its good that our brother will spend festive seasons with his family.
— Erence_Makwela (@Prof_Erence) December 1, 2020
.@ThabisoTema first time offenders are in holding cells for over 4 months or even more, #andilelungisa just went and did a “check-in” and “check-out” of his 2 years, just proves the animal farm status that South Africa is #PowerDrive
— #FreePalestine 🇦🇪 (@LefokotsaneK) December 1, 2020
Appeal against sentence rejected by SCA. Starts his to two year sentence. Threatens to appeal in Concourt. Next thing he's getting released on parole. All in a space of three months. The wheels of justice turn real quick for some #AndileLungisa pic.twitter.com/a3nTEzQS9k
— Ms. Siya Miti (@SiyaMiti_the1st) December 1, 2020
ANC Politicians are more important than even Kings! Andile Lungisa barely spent 6 months in Jail & he's out on parole. Dalindyebo spent only 2 years.
— Tshawe➐ (@BongzTheGreat) December 1, 2020
The Law doesn't apply to the rich & powerful, it only applies to us the poor.
Let me prophesy....I see a book coming soon “My Long Walk to Freedom” by #andilelungisa pic.twitter.com/9ibRiebMsO
— LivelyUpYourself🇿🇦 (@quakes24) December 1, 2020
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