NICRO CEO Sorarya Solomon with guest-of-honour and VIP guest speaker from London Rob Allen, Director International Centre for Prison Studies at the Colloquium.
In February the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Rehabilitation of Offenders launched the implementation of a five year alternative sentencing project for adult and child offenders to be delivered at magistrate courts across South Africa.
In an era where crime statistics remain in the red and crime incidence has escalated to unacceptable ratios, it has become crucial to find an alternative modus operandi for sentencing procedures. NICRO is putting affirmative, pro-active services in place that will streamline the criminal justice system by embarking on the roll out of alternative sentencing programmes on a national scale over a period of five years. This is a concerted effort to alleviate the severe backlog in the criminal justice system and curb the phenomenon of unacceptable overcrowding of correctional centres.
The Alternative Sentencing Colloquium saw stakeholders including magistrates, prosecutors and probation officers from all nine provinces converge on Cape Town where a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out roles and responsibilities, between NICRO and all role players was drafted and signed. The main aim of the seminar was to canvas the idea of and obtain support for the wider implementation of alternative sentencing options.
This initiative was started in 2006 with a small project encompassing five courts, which was continued in 2008 in partnership with the Department of Justice, expanding to a further five courts. Due to the need and increased demand for this service from other courts, NICRO has acquired further funding and is now positioned to roll out our initial programme to 18 more magisterial courts. (2 per province) The main thrust of the project is to support the courts through a wide range of therapeutic programme interventions which can be used as non-custodial sentencing options.
The outcome of the colloquium was extremely positive. All stakeholders pledged their support in establishing a professional service to support alternative sentencing. The following steps will be implemented to secure the appropriate impact:
- Inter-disciplinary steering committees will be established at eighteen magisterial courts throughout the country, with the goal of overseeing the roll-out of the project, developing procedures, monitoring outcomes and evaluating the impact of the project
- NICRO will appoint social workers to be based at the identified magistrate courts.
- The probation services and NICRO will work in partnership to ensure effective service delivery.
- NICRO will conduct various programme interventions which will focus on psycho-social development of the offenders with the aim of reducing reoffending and achieving rehabilitation.
The Alternative Sentencing Colloquium was opened with a gala dinner on the 17th February to celebrate the potential of the alternative sentencing options for South Africa. The guest speakers were Safety and Security Deputy Minister Johnny De Lange and NICRO Chair, Judge Nathan Erasmus.
NICRO CEO, Ms Soraya Solomon thanks NICRO Chair Judge Nathan Erasmus
NICRO Deputy CEO, Ms Celia Dawson taking the floor
Distinguished guests Mr Alastair Papps, Chair of the NICRO UK Trust and his wife Marian
PRESS RELEASES
NICRO outraged about untimely removal of Correctional Services Commissioner!
30 October 2008
NICRO, the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders, herewith declares its outrage and disappointment with the decision of the Department of Correctional Services to remove Commissioner Vernie Petersen from his position.
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The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) takes a stand against crime in a major way!
01 August 2008
The NLDTF has donated a record amount of R33,006,687.00 to NICRO, the National Institute for Crime prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders.
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NICRO welcomes the long-awaited passing of the Child Justice Bill
26 June 2008
This Bill will secure a comprehensive implementation of child justice; offering a chance to restore and rebuild the child to accept the responsibility to be a law-abiding citizen contributing to create a safe country.
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Press Release: The Death of Muniba Kruger
25 March 2008
The violent death of Muniba Kruger, allegedly at the hands of her father, an ex-prisoner, has once again focussed attention on issues related to bail, awaiting trial, rehabilitation and parole.
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NICRO’s submission on the Child Justice Bill proposes that proper Assessment and Diversion be allowed for all children regardless of age or offence.
Arina Smit,
19 February 2008
In the light of the latest crime statistics and the recent flood of reported violent acts by children and youth, it is critical that the legislators of the country recognize that, in order to effectively wipe out this endemic phenomenon, the first priority should be to create the necessary tools and services to assess, evaluate and determine an appropriate response and plan for each child. If a crime or an offence is committed perpetrators have to be held accountable; in the case of children though, it should be made clear that the behaviour of a child-offender can not be compared to that of an adult offender. The misinformed perception that exists is crime is crime and they must pay, regardless.
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NICRO welcomes the recently announced review of the Criminal Justice System.
Celia Dawson. Deputy Executive Director,
12 November 2007
It has been evident for some time that the different components of the Criminal Justice system, viz the courts, including the magistrates and prosecutors, the police and the prisons operate as separate planning and implementing entities. They have separate and different strategic objectives, strategic and operational plans, and of course different political leadership. Even in instances where Departments account to the same political head, as in the case of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, you will find the organisational components within the Department pursuing matters separately.
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NICRO turning the tide on crime
Karin Blumer,
29 October 2007
The senseless killing of Lucky Dube caused an outcry among law-abiding citizens and outlaws alike.
Prisoners in Pretoria serving time for violent crimes voiced their outrage by signing a petition stating: "Though we are serving sentences for crimes similar to this one, we feel we have wronged our nation and there is no justification for this barbaric act. This is our way of apologizing to the community and a sign that we have changed."
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DIVERSION PROGRAMMES
Cheryl Goodenough,
KZN Mercury
26 September 2007
Some offenders who commit petty crimes that do not warrant criminal penalties are being given the opportunity to participate in diversion programmes. The aim of such restorative justice initiatives is to rehabilitate offenders and the result is that the participants who successfully complete such programmes avoid having a criminal record which may impact on their future. The initiatives are often offered to young offenders, but even adults who are charged with minor offences and are willing to accept responsibility for their actions, may be able to participate in diversion programmes.
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YOUTH-ON-YOUTH VIOLENCE
25 September 2007
South Africa is gripped by a wave of teenage violence which defies any reason. Very young children, as young as 12 and 14 years, have perpetrated deeds so violent and cruel, resulting in the deaths of equally young and vulnerable victims.
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NICRO urges South African women to stand up to crime
07 August 2007
Mothers of crime victims such as Simphiwe Mokhahlu, Brett Goldin, baby Jordan Leigh Norton, Mikayla Rossouw and Steven Siebert continue their lives with the knowledge that crime should be prevented and combated with all means available to the state and those responsible for our safety and security. They continue with the knowledge that every individual has to be involved to make a difference in our crime ridden society.
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VISION
To build and strengthen a democratic society, based on human rights principles through crime prevention and development.
MISSION
NICRO, as a national non-profit organisation, regards crime as a threat to democracy and individual rights. Through people centred development and services to victims, offenders and communities, NICRO strengthens a human rights culture and a safer South Africa. To this end NICRO engages in lobbying and advocacy, capacity building, direct service delivery and research. NICRO adheres to the principles of good governance and sound environmental practices.
