Inmate escapes into poetry
JOBURG - An inmate at Leeuwkop Maximum Prison, Sunninghill, is looking for a laptop to write his poetry and a publisher to publish his book of poems.
Isaac Mbilini has been an inmate since 2007, and is serving a sentence for armed robbery and murder. He decided to share his seven-year journey of self-discovery, guilt and forgiveness through a series of poems. He has now compiled a book of poetry and is looking for a publisher.
He said he had remained remorseful throughout his incarceration and understood that he was the only one accountable for his actions.
Mbilini said he discovered his passion and talent for writing while in prison. “God blessed me with a talent I never knew I had,” he said. “I see the bad things that are happening in our country. I have a strong conviction within me and although I have committed such terrible atrocities, I want to condemn the actions of others.”
He decided to raise awareness on sexual-based violence through his poetry by talking about his life and the mistakes he has made. He aims to publish a book and wants all proceeds to go to a charity organisation that focuses on abused women and children. “I would like some of the proceeds raised in my book to go to a charity in my hometown in Potchefstroom,” he said.
He further stressed that he wanted to earn an honest living and show society that he had learnt from his mistakes. He said crime was not the answer to any situation and there were no shortcuts in life.
Mblini is making a plea to the community to help him publish his book, “If anyone is interested in publishing my book or knows of a publisher who would be interested, please assist me with this.”
Read some of Mbilini’s poems:
Poem from an inmate dealing with rape
If you can help Isaac Mbilini publish his poetry, email Fourways Review at fourwaysr@caxton.co.za
