11 Jan 2017

Some people who spend time in correctional institutions come out as better persons.

They are able to draw strength from the psychological and emotional support offered to inmates to help them realise that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

This was evidenced by 50-year-old Mr Maeba Sekgwa of Dibete who said some inmates were not necessarily bad people but an individual who needs a well crafted process to transform into a better person.

Mr Sekgwa who served time at Mahalapye Prison for ten years said when the gavel struck he thought it was the end of life for him as he had always thought that inmates were ill treated.

He said the Prison personnel were there every step of the way to help inmates rediscover their potential through counseling and teaching them different trades according to individual’s choice and spiritual growth as they attended church every morning.

Mr Sekgwa who did upholstery during his prison time said the trade helped him to divert his energy and thoughts into something positive to rediscover his hidden talent.

He now designs beds, couches, bags and ottoman as well as renewing worn out car seats.

Although it is evident that Mr Sekgwa is a changed person, there are still doubting Thomases within the society as he highlighted that his family disowned him while few individuals from the society still consider him a monster.

Mr Sekgwa said rehabilitation should not only be within the premises of prison but should extend even outside by monitoring the ex-convicts or attaching them to government institutions as the trades they learnt come with certification.

He complained of lack of equipment to carry out his trade, adding that he often depend on hiring a sewing machine and other tools to make a complete product. He said he had knocked on several doors seeking help but it does not bear any fruits.

He urged the community to embrace ex-convicts and that they should be given opportunities to prove themselves.

“As communities we need to show the ex-convicts support by treating them as one of our own and also giving them the respect they deserve and you will see what wonders they can do with their hands,” he said.

Mr Sekgwa said one should not be tempted by unemployment or poverty to commit crime. ENDS