Kimberley — Former ANC provincial chairman and MEC in the Northern Cape, John Block, has been released on a R50 000 bail and placed on parole by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
Block was serving 15-year sentence for corruption, and was charged with another corruption case, related to the Kimberly mental health hospital, IOL reported.
He faces another legal battle, after he was charged by former Judge France Kgomo, who is suing Block for R2.5m for allegedly defaming him during his corruption trial.
The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed that John
Block has been placed on parole, effectively from 10 November 2023
Block was sentenced to 15 years for corruption and money laundering on 6 December 2016 pic.twitter.com/kayQueHTbh
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) November 10, 2023
According to SABC News, Block took the DCS to court, claiming that he qualifies for parole if presidential remissions are taken into account.
A DCS statement revealed that the Offender Rehabilitation Path is important when they consider an inmate’s suitability for parole.
“Mr. Block was an active inmate, having participated in a number of correctional programmes and went on to obtain a Diploma in Business Management.”
The statement added that Block benefitted from the Special Remission of Setences 2019, 2020 and 2023, which brought his Minimum Detention Period down to 13 September 2023.
He will complete his sentence in the system of community corrections and will be subject to supervision until his sentence expires on 26 June 2029.
John Block has been placed on parole. pic.twitter.com/NViLAL8BPk
— Scapegoat (@AndiMakinana) November 10, 2023
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen