Geordin Hill-Lewis challenges Pieter Groenewald on parolee tracking

Minister of Correctional Services Pieter Groenewald.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has refuted claims that 28 000 parolees are untraceable, stating that the inmate population stands at 168 795 with an accurate tracing system.

The department said 52 772 parolees and probationers are under Community Corrections supervision.

This comes as Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis challenged the parolees' numbers via his Facebook page.

“Nearly 28 000 parolees are untraceable. Gone. Missing. Many of these are violent criminals, now walking free, putting the public at risk," said Hill-Lewis.