VRYHEID KZN: Ncome medium A holds massive family conference

It was a quiet and emotional session when the offenders of Medium A were given an opportunity to ‘come clean’ to their family members and tell them exactly how they committed the crimes they were convicted for. This programme is called a Family Conference and has really delivered positive results, because most of the families are able to find closure after offenders have told their stories.

Unfortunately for some offenders, it is not always the case and raises more questions than answers. This was evident for Mr Mqabuleni Sibiya (56), who was sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly raping his own daughter in 2011. Sibiya was sharing his story with his two sons, Melusi Sibiya (22) and Sizwe Sibiya (20), who were 10 and 12 years old when he was arrested. “I have been here for 10 years now and I am still maintaining the fact that I did not rape your sister. In fact, both your sister and mother had not slept at home during the said night. I am the one that said your sister must be taken to hospital quickly after hearing from your mother that she had been raped. How could I have said that if I knew very well that I had raped her?” asked Sibiya.

Both his sons broke down and cried after hearing their father’s story, and requested the department to organise a VOD (Victim Offender Dialogue) session where both their mother and sister would be involved. “We are older now and would really like to get to the bottom of this and find the truth,” said Melusi.

Mr Sibiya was, however, fortunate because the session was also attended by an ex-offender, Mr Joe Myeni, who was sentenced to 10 years for allegedly also raping his own daughter. Myeni shared his story with Sibiya and told him how his daughter came clean and told the truth just when he was about to go on parole. “Unfortunately, the stigma will forever remain with you, but you have a choice to make – whether you learn to live and learn from this situation or continue to be aggrieved and not find peace,” said Myeni.

Abaqulusi Municipality Councillor Mr Dube, who graced the session with his presence, was also moved by some of the offenders’ untold stories and encouraged the department to continue with such engagements. “I am delighted to be part of such a powerful and emotional session where offenders come clean and confess to their family members, providing answers to questions that have been asked for years,” reiterated Dube.

Mr Mandla Ngema, who is the Unit Manager and convener of the session in Medium A, thanked all family members who were present, as well as the offenders for sharing their stories. Ngema said he really hoped this session had ”relieved” most of the families concerning the questions they have had about how their loved ones were convicted and sentenced.

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