Offenders Build House
and Vow to Protect Ugogo
Media Release
22 July 2009
Mpumalanga offenders who are close to
completing their sentences built a house
for a Kwaggafontein old woman and also
vowed to protect her when they come out
of jail.
The old woman had repeatedly been abused
emotionally and sexually by the local
youth who used to break into her
dilapidated house.
The woman was one of those who reported
their plights to the Justice Criminal
and Prevention Cluster (JCPS) during a
community outreach arranged by the
Mpumalanga Department of Community
Safety, Security and Liaison last year.
In an effort to ensure that victims of
crime are empowered, one of the JCPS
departments, Correctional Services,
facilitated the building by inmates of
the house for the old woman.
The house is built from cement blocks
with a built-in toilet, plastered both
inside and outside, fully
burglar-proofed and boosted with a steel
fence.
Speaking at a hand-over ceremony on
Saturday, Mpumalanga Community Safety,
Security and Liaison Head of the
Department Isaiah Khoza said it was a
good gesture that inmates utilized their
skills and build a house for the old
woman.
Khoza explained that the cluster visited
the area last year at the request of the
local Community Policing Forum (CPF)
adding that such relationships between
the community and the police needed to
benefit communities.
He added it was disturbing that it was
the youth who victimized elderly women
and children in communities.
“The departure of the 1976 youth was to
defend the weak not victimize the
elders. You cannot claim to be brave
when you abuse women and children. Our
parents did not go to school, however
they expect us to protect them.
“The prisoners have done well to display
their willingness to change. When they
come out of jail, welcome them back to
society allow them to utilize the skills
they have acquired from prison,” said
Khoza.
Mpumalanga Correctional Services Acting
Regional Commissioner Lunga Tseana
applauded the inmates for adopting the
old woman.
“These in-mates pleaded with me to allow
them just one night to police this area
and deal with criminals. They do not
want crime anymore. They also do not
want anybody to go to jail,” said Tseane.
The Correctional Services further
presented the old woman with gifts such
as a bed, clothes, food and a stove.
The inmates vowed before the old woman
that when they finish their sentences,
they would come and protect her from
other criminals.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
013 766 4055
082 678 1450
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