19 000 detainees will be released soon to create more space for distancing in prisons, which have 364 Covid-19 cases across the country, according to the Department of Correctional Services website.
Two inmates and two officials have died.
The following prisoners will not be released:
– Inmates serving life imprisonment for crimes related to gender-based violence and sexual offences, child abuse, murder, attempted sabotage and terrorism.
– Those declared dangerous in line with the Criminal Procedure Act, and those certified mentally ill and detained in line with the Mental Health Care Act.
– Offenders with further charges that have not received bail or could not pay it.
– Inmates who are out on bail pending appeals.
– Those who committed violations under the Domestic Violence Act.
– Those detained for armed robbery or robbery with aggravating circumstances.
– Any other crime linking the above-mentioned crimes, for example, housebreaking with intent to steal or rape.- Any attempt, soliciting, inciting, or conspiracy to commit the above crimes.
