Randburg Community Corrections hosted an imbizo at the AlexSan Kopano Resources Centre on Friday, bringing together learners, education stakeholders, and community safety representatives, including the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and police officers.

The imbizo featured testimonies of parolees, who had already paid the price for choices some learners are now flirting with.

Read more: Police present crime report to Sector 3 residents, addressing concerns

Correctional services brought the ex-offenders to let the learners hear prison described by those who have lived it, the years gone by, and lives altered forever. They offered learners a sobering glimpse into the repercussions of crime.

The imbizo served as a critical platform to address escalating violence and indiscipline among school learners, encouraging them to lead positive lives and avoid criminal paths.

Visible Policing Commander Jerry Phaswana urged learners not to waste their youth. “You are still young and have an opportunity to do something about your life. Whatever you are doing now, these fights and bullying at Minerva and Alex High, will not take you anywhere.”

He further warned against actions that could result in criminal records, stressing how such mistakes damage futures. “Stay away from drugs. During school searches, we find learners with dagga. If you see someone with it, report them to teachers.”

Also read: CPF chairperson makes forum a reliable go-to for residents grappling with crime

Parolees, who have been reintegrated into society, shared testimonies to educate learners about how bad choices can destroy lives.

One parolee, who was convicted of murder, spoke anonymously. She recounted losing her mother at 13, growing up with an absent father, dating older boyfriends, and eventually becoming involved with drug dealers. For her, the murder conviction was the tragic culmination of a path set years earlier. “Today, I came here to reprimand delinquent learners as a mom and aspiring teacher. Many things are happening, and it is imperative to show learners the right path, so they don’t fall into the pitfalls we fell into.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Alexandra Community Policing Forum spokesperson Chris Mabunda says community corrections imbizos must be held quarterly. He was speaking on the sidelines of the recent imbizo held at AlexSan Kopano, to warn high school learners about the cost of bad choices, and encourage them to stay away from crime. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Alex #CPF ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

She cautioned learners about destructive choices. “Drugs, teenage pregnancy, misbehaving, these three usually end with you dead or in jail.”

Now, she hopes to warn learners before it’s too late, something no one did for her.

CPF spokesperson Chris Mabunda emphasised that, given the rampant violence in Alex schools, imbizos like this should be held more frequently. He explained that parolees were brought in to share firsthand accounts of prison life and the opportunities lost through incarceration. “If learners take the imbizo seriously, it can truly assist them.”

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