Convicted rapist and kwaito singer Sipho Ndlovu, known by many as Bricks will not see the outside anytime soon. This is after he did not qualify for special remission nor parole after he was found guilty of raping a then 16-year-old relative, sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The remission of sentence is usually granted to “low-risk offenders who also receive 12 additional months special remission of sentence.
This grace is also extended to, “probationers, parolees and day parolees, irrespective of their crimes.”
The South African Government news agency states the granting of this grace is regulated by prioritising, “safety first and promoting shared responsibility for the correction of offending behaviour as well as for rehabilitation.”
Brick’s rape offence does not form part of what is eligible for the remission of sentence. Other offences that don’t form part of the remission of sentence include, murder, sexual offence, attempted murder, child abuse, gender-based violence and many all those offences deemed as serious offences.
A speaking to ZiMoja a source close source to the Sweety Mababy hitmaker shared, “He still believes that he is innocent, that he was set up and that he didn’t rape anyone. As much as he pretends to be strong, being in prison has taken its toll on him.”
Another source however revealed that the singer has hopes that he will soon come out, commenting: “He’s hoping that he will get out soon, so he can put back the pieces of his life. He keeps talking about the plans he has when he gets outside.”
Even though Bricks is hopeful that he will come out soon, Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services shatters the singer’s dream of coming out anytime soon. He was quoted saying:
“Sexual offenders are outside the list of those to benefit. Inmates can only be considered for parole placement after serving a minimum detention period,”
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