Mixed feelings about ex-convict’s apology
"I have caused a lot of people pain and I'm not proud about it and the things I did, thinking I was clever has dismally affected my life."
MBOMBELA – A 40-year-old ex-convict evoked mixed emotions when he apologised to women for his past blunders which eventually landed him in prison.
Cebo Nkosi of Tekwane North who served 23 years for offences ranging from assault, rape and housebreaking, was speaking at the HeForShe campaign, a global effort by the United Nations aimed at curbing abuse of women.
“I have caused a lot of people pain and I’m not proud about it and the things I did, thinking I was clever has dismally affected my life.
Today in front of all these people I deeply apologise for all my mistakes,” Nkosi said, adding that today he looked at women differently.
“I’m haunted by the evil memories every time I look at a female. It feels like I was doing all those things to my own mother or sisters.”
Nkosi warned young men who believed that serving jail time wouldn’t be such a bad experience, saying that once they got there, life would change and it would be an easy ride.
“You get there as a man and others use you as a woman once you are there.
Life is not easy there and even after you have been released, it’s not easy to get your life back.
I have become an outcast in the community even though I have changed and no longer doing any drugs nor crime.
It’s difficult for residents to accept me and I can’t even get a job,” he said.
His advice to parents was that they should never ignore any sign of drug abuse, but rather act swiftly as the habit could land their children in jail.
According to Nkosi, there are many ex-convicts who need to be given a platform to share their jail-term experiences as he believes it could prevent several youngsters from partaking in crime.
“Life is difficult in there and I don’t wish the gruesome environment on anyone. Besides, crime is just not right.”
However, some women who were attending the event said there was no excuse for what he had done.
“Everyone who did this always blames their behaviour on drugs.
It’s good that justice was done and he served his time in jail but that doesn’t mean that he should be trusted,” said an angry Ms Lucia Mathibela.
Nevertheless, Mr William Khumalo was of the opinion that such people who are determined to change should be given a second chance in their communities.
“Rejecting these people will only cause them to relapse,” he said.
