The Imbizo was held in order to explain the processes and procedures of correctional services and also to answer various questions that have been raised by members of the community. The aim of the event was to also take Correctional Services to the people in order to strengthen the relationship between them and the community.

Many of the speakers at the Imbizo highlighted the importance of unity between all the stakeholders involved in rehabilitating offenders including the communtity at large.

Groenpunt Correctional Services Director Vusi Sibeko says: “The Jazz group that is playing here today is a reflection of the kind of work we do, ensuring that offenders have been fully rehabilitated and ready to be integrated back into the community.”

Sibeko stated that the major challenge they faced was that of victim and offender dialogue. He pleaded with victims to open up their hearts and hear what offenders had to say. “These people need your forgiveness in order to turn a leaf in life. Some will not even be comfortable going back to communities where they are not forgiven as it will make them feel unwelcome and unwanted.”

Sharpeville SAPS spokesperson Captain Atie Loate says: “We as the SAPS support what is being done by the Department of Correctional Services, while also ensuring that we play our role of crime prevention.

“Another important point is that the community needed to be educated about the processes of correctional services, so that they know what happens and that prisoners are not just let out of prison without the proper procedure having taken lace.” Loate concluded.

lebo.chaha@media24.com