Pic: AP

Johannesburg – A limited poll of magistrates around the country has revealed a sceptical attitude towards the value of prison time.

The National Institute for Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) said on Monday it received responses from 49 magistrates in a voluntary survey.

About 80% of respondents did not agree that all offenders in prison were dangerous and needed to be locked up.

About 65% said even violent offenders could be rehabilitated.

Most – 57% – did not believe criminals were being rehabilitated in prison. Instead, 41% believed prison trained criminals to be more serious offenders.

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