Exploring parole in rehabilitating offenders : a study in the Brits area of the North West Province

Abstract

This study explores parole as a privilege for offenders who have served a portion of their sentence in incarceration and as a way of rehabilitating and successfully reintegrating them into society. The study examines whether Brits Community Corrections parole services meets the rehabilitation needs of the offenders and explores how parole is executed in rehabilitating offenders. Given the extent of the aging parole system at Brits and in South Africa in general, and the rampant nature of crime in Brits, recidivism and the challenges facing parolees are critically discussed. The question of whether parole services still serve the purpose of rehabilitating offenders at Brits Community Corrections, as intended, is raised and is central to the study and guides the discussion of the findings. This study employs a qualitative research approach based on interviews with four parole officials and five parolees who have been on parole since the year 2019, which enables an exploration of the qualities of desistance. The study utilises purposive sampling and the data are analysed using thematic data analysis. The findings are textually presented, compared, and backed by existing literature. The conclusions and recommendations made are based on the themes and sub-themes that emerged from discussions with the participants during the study. The overall objectives and aims of the study have been met and the results in chapter four answer the research questions that were raised.