Officials of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and Evander Community Corrections visited Rhema Church in Leandra on August 4.
The aim of the visit was the release of four former inmates, who are on parole, back into the community.
The process was carried out in the form of the victim offender dialogue (VOD). VOD is a significant process of creating harmonious reintegration of parolees into the communities.
“This exercise was to ensure an appropriate process of social integration of the parolees. It is for the benefit of parolees to be part of a community structure like church because it will help them gain a sense of belonging.
“Ultimately, they will gradually adopt societal norms and values,” said Siphiwe Mahlangu, communications manager for Bethal Management Correctional Services.
According to the head of Evander Community Corrections, Veli Sithole, the Department of Correctional Services deemed it fit for Smanga Mtshali, Happy Masilela, Sibusiso Mngomezulu and Shim Nkosi to be released on parole.
However, he pleaded with community members to welcome and give them a second chance. He also made a special request to the church to play an integral part in completing the rehabilitation process that the DCS has commenced.
“We believe that churches can play a bigger role in the rehabilitation process. We hope this church will assist to revive their spiritual being,” said Sithole.
Parolee Smanga Mtshali addressed the congregation and narrated a chronicle that sent him to prison for 10 years.
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Mtshali blamed alcohol abuse. However, he said he feels free because he was forgiven by the parents of the man he had murdered.
“We were too drunk and we were not aware that our actions would lead us to prison. Today, I have learnt a lesson and I will never go back to alcohol,” said Mtshali.
He also sent a word of gratitude to the DCS for the rehabilitation process that he had undergone. Sophie Maseko encouraged members to walk together with the parolees in their new journey to social reintegration. She urged the church to welcome them as their own sons.
“I appreciate that you have come forward to acknowledge your mistake to God and the community. I pray that God may give you humbleness and strength for the rest of your journey,” said Maseko.
