30 Aug 2015

Students have been urged to desist from drugs and crime. Addressing Sekgele Junior Secondary School students recently, 33-year-old ex-convict Mr Michael Tshabala said drug abuse led to his involvement in crimes such as robbery.

He noted that he was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment at the age of 22 years. He was released last year after 10 years behind bars. He urged students to guard their future and desist from criminal activities.

Another ex-convict, 34-year-old Ms Matshidiso Ntwaagae, who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in 2009 for the murder of her boyfriend, urged students not to deny themselves the right to freedom by getting involved in criminal activities.

Ms Ntwaagae also advised students, particularly the girl-child, to avoid abusive relationships. She said alcohol abuse could never be a solution to anyone’s problems. She said she has quit alcohol as it influenced her to commit crime.

She said being in prison denied her a lot of opportunities in life, adding that she was now working hard to be a better person. She noted that being an ex-convict was a challenge as society stigmatises them. She encouraged students to focus on their school work.

The motivational talk was organised by the Botswana Institute of Rehabilitation and Integration of Offenders (BIRRO) to sensitise students on the dangers of crime, drugs and alcohol abuse. The BIRRO chairperson, Mr Mothei Sejakgomo said they would hold talks in primary and secondary schools in Thamaga. ENDS