Representatives of Sun City Correctional Services and Linden Police Station visited Robin Hills Primary School on August 17 to inform and educate the school’s Grade 5 to 7 male learners on matters concerning rape and other crimes.
Sergeant Takalani Sibiya introduced the agenda for the day.
The communication manager of Sun City Correctional Services Samantha Ramsewaki explained to the learners that they were at an eligible age to be convicted as juvenile offenders if they were found guilty of a crime.
Following her talk, she showed them a video that detailed life behind bars.
Juluka Baloyi, an ex-offender convicted at 17 for armed robbery, shared his experience as a juvenile offender in prison. He mentioned how he could’ve completed his education but because he didn’t listen and committed a crime, it cost him 10 years of his life behind bars. “I was arrested for nine accounts of armed robbery, possession of a firearm and ammunition. I was sentenced to 40 years in prison. I was sentenced for four accounts out of the nine, each account gave me 10 years. My sentence was [reduced].”
He shared that upon his arrival in prison he was given an ultimatum that if he behaved he would serve only 10 out of his 20-year sentence. Baloyi is currently on parole. He described what the living conditions in prison were like. “In prison, we shared a toilet and a shower with 40 people in a cell.” He emphasised how prison took away his freedom.
Sergeant Ursula Ditsi of the Linden SAPS addressed the consequences of being convicted of rape. “Raping or inappropriately touching someone at a young age will see you being a juvenile offender.”
Constable Mbali Masondo concluded the discussion as she addressed matters of being respectful. “Rape is not a joke. To show respect, listen.”
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