Offenders share their stories during crime awareness campaign

Correctional Services inmates took the stage and shared their stories during a crime awareness campaign at KwaBhanya High School on Friday.
The campaign saw officials from the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Social Crime Prevention Unit, as well as a Lifeline social worker, a survivor of drug abuse and two prisoners from Ncome and Vryheid Correctional Services speaking to the learners with the aim of keeping them on the right track.

The first person to speak was a recovering drug addict who lost his job as a male nurse due to substance abuse. He explained how he got addicted to drugs and how that destroyed his life, as he is no longer employed. He thanked the social workers who helped him and said that he wants his life back again so he can continue with his job.
A female offender at Vryheid Correctional Services, who is serving 22 years in prison, told of how she ended up in jail. She explained that she was also a nurse, but encountered problems in her marriage. Her husband allegedly became abusive and her sister allegedly volunteered to help kill him. A hit-man was hired and her husband died. Her sister then reported the matter to police and she was arrested while preparing to bury her husband. She explained that she has served 11 years in different prisons. “Life is not good in prison, as you do not eat whatever you like. Children must focus on their studies and not get involved with crime.”

A male offender from Ncome Correctional Services told the scholars about his ‘wrongdoing’ that has seen him serve 24 years in jail. He spoke about the influence of drugs and sternly warned the learners to stay away from illegal substances, as they will destroy your future.
Warrant Officer Ramoikatso further warned the learners not to engage in any crime because, if they do, they will be sentenced and it is difficult to get a decent job with a criminal record. “Once a person is sentenced, they get a criminal record and it takes 10 years to clear your fingerprints.”
All the speakers encouraged the learners to stay in school. The principal, Mr Mbanjwa, thanked everyone for their motivating and encouraging words. A special ‘thank you’ was sent out to the Vryheid station CPF and chairperson Mr Joe Myeni, who co-ordinated the campaign.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.