The correctional services department has refuted claims saying that former ANC Northern Cape chair John Block has been released from jail on parole.
According to the department spokesperson Sibangakho Nxumalo on Thursday, the news of his release is not true.
“The DCS has been inundated with inquiries over false news that offender John Block has been released.”
“We want to categorically state that allegations of offender Block being placed on parole are devoid of any truth and must be dismissed,” said Nxumalo.
Block was convicted of fraud, corruption and money laundering in 2015.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
He started his jail term in 2018 at the Upington prison after several unsuccessful appeals in other higher courts, including the Constitutional Court.
Rumours of his release emerged in May after about 19,000 qualifying parolees were released by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a means of curbing covid-19 by decongesting the prison.
Nxumalo reiterated that Block would not be considered for early parole.
“He will only be considered for parole placement after serving the minimum required time,” he said.
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