The parole appearance for the Chris Hani murderers was expected to be investigated, as it was handled inappropriately, the Correctional Services Department said on Wednesday.

This, after a correctional services junior official sent an email, on Minister Ngconde Balfour's email to the Hani family regarding parole hearings for Clive Derby-Lewis and Janusz Walus, the department said in a statement.

"Balfour has distanced himself from the email. He also regards the manner of the matter (parole hearings) to have been handled inappropriately. Balfour also plans to investigate and take appropriate action," the statement said.

The department apologised to the Hani family, and the SA Communist Party for the "inappropriate handling of the issue of parole hearing for Derby-Lewis and Walus".

Sapa