Ex-con’s crime fighting dream falls by the wayside

The dream of a former jailbird to repay society for his criminal activities has fallen by the wayside.

To pay for his sins, President of the Alexandra Excons United, Khotso Mofolo wanted to stage an anti-crime drama in various schools in Alexandra, but was unable to do so due to a lack of financial support. “I have knocked at every door trying to get sponsorship for the project, known as Excons Combat Crime, with no success,” Mofolo said.

Mofolo said he was hopeful a Good Samaritan might offer him some financial assistance to run the community project which he believed could go a long way towards combating Alexandra’s rising youth criminal activity. “My other wish is to encourage other ex-cons to stay away from crime so that they do not land behind bars again.”

“If someone could provide us with sponsorship we can be up and running immediately,” Mofolo said. He said production of the plays was at a standstill as he could not secure sponsorship, including a venue for rehearsals.

“I am a patient man and will wait for a sponsor,” said the reformed convict who now runs a jazz club in Alexandra known as the Jazz Joint in 11th Avenue with the help of his wife. “I am a family man now and I am doing what I have to do to survive. I will not blame anyone for my past actions but will strive to stay clean,” he said.

He urged other ex-cons and the community at large not to blame government for the lack of jobs. “People are quick to lay blame, not knowing that government cannot do everything for everyone. People must stand on their own feet and do something, and then government will add on to their initiatives,” he said.

Mofolo said stigmatising ex-cons was not going to help the fight against crime, as it would only drive them back to their previous life. He expressed his disappointment in organisations such as community policing forums for not employing people with a criminal record.

“If there is a budget for recreation, sports and culture for people in jail, then what about parolees? They also deserve a chance to show that they have been rehabilitated instead of being sidelined,” Mofolo said.