Female offenders admit their crimes, plead for release

Female inmates at Polokwane Correctional Services are pleading to be released claiming they have learnt valuable lessons and are ready to return to their respective communities, find employment or even start businesses to contribute to the economy.
The internees raised the issue during a breakfast session with Limpopo First Lady Trust team and patron, Margaret Mathabatha at the facility last Thursday. Her visit formed part of a diverse range of events in the province to celebrate Women’s Month.
The women alleged that there are a number of skilled women being detained who can contribute immensely to society. Itumeleng Ledwaba who represented the female inmates of the centre and their counterparts from Thohoyandou Correctional Centre stated that there are intellectuals, critical thinkers and skilled women in the four-walls who can help shape the country but only if they are freed from the chains. Ledwaba stressed that they had changed but might get rotten again if Government takes forever to free them.
“Between Polokwane Correctional Services’ four-walls we have what we call ‘Phuma, Phaka, Lala’ which simply translates to ‘Exit, Eat, Sleep’ because of lack of resources in the facility. There is nothing extraordinary one can engage in. Officials are trying their best but a shortage of resources limits their ideas,” she explained.
Offenders indicated that they might be behind bars but they know very well that August is Women’s Month, adding that no one would bring a woman down. They further said they can be chained but no one will take away their great thinking skills and capabilities. Inmates alleged that they can make a big difference in the community with the skills they acquired at the centre.
They pleaded with Mathabatha and Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) Correctional Services acting regional commissioner, Phiko Mbambo to act as a link between them and President Cyril Ramaphosa to free them. They have a slogan ‘Thoma-thina’ and believe that offenders who have been behind bars for a longer period have learnt a lot and can help the country to win a fight against poverty and unemployment.
Mathabatha urged offenders not to break the law again following their release and reiterated that being in prison or correctional centre does not take away their identity as women. She concluded by saying inmates should have hope that one day they will be free hence they should keep fighting like Albertina Sizulu who ensured that her husband got released from prison.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za