Focus on Youth: The young drunk murderer
Part 2 of the epic and true local prison stories of crime committed by youth.
The News recently paid a visit to the Krugersdorp Correctional Services to interview some of the inmates, with a special focus on Youth Month.
Two murderers and an armed gang member who robbed numerous homes and people were interviewed, and since all three of them had such unique stories to tell, the News has decided to publish them as a three-part series. These inmates would like to send a special message to today’s youth about the consequences of their actions, especially when committing violent crimes. In Part 1, Thusyaone Letsholo spoke to the News about the fit of rage that put him behind bars, with nothing but time and guilt on his hands – a combination that could kill you faster than the drugs or gangs inside.
Read part 1 here: Focus on Youth: A killer with a conscience
Part 2: The drunken murderer
Thulani Mbanjwa was found guilty of stabbing a man to death. He’s been in jail for years now and said that he has let down the people who fought for freedom during the apartheid years. Thulani got drunk one night and got into a fight. An unfortunate event, in which he accidentally killed the person he was fighting with and ended up in jail.
“I had no sense of purpose, nothing to work for and I was fooling around with my life instead of getting an education,” said Thulani.
“Messing around outside of school and drinking too much made me do things I never would have done if I wasn’t intoxicated.”
He has since found his purpose in one of the strangest places to find it – prison. He said prison has given him chances he never had and the time to make peace with the changes he had to make.
“Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a place anyone should ever want to come to. It’s dangerous all the time. You need to watch your back for other inmates and you purposely put yourself in a position where you can’t do simple things for yourself. But for me it was a blessing in disguise. Incarceration brought me a lot of opportunities.
“I have used much of the time inside to commemorate my freedom. Psychologically, I’m free and my punishment is only structural freedom that limits my ability to help others like me.
“I misunderstood myself. But since I was imprisoned, I’ve recognised my talents and come to terms with what I want for myself, instead of just sitting around being bored and mischievous.”
Thulani is busy writing a book and has worked on a music CD. He said that when he’s released, he wants to be a role model for children and keep them from ending up in the same place he did.
His advice to the youth:
“Focus on your abilities and your positive qualities. Then, set your focus on what you want in life. Then you’ll start doing things to fulfill what you want. Do what you can to understand yourself and what you are capable of. Look for challenges and stay in school. Do everything you can to stay out of this place, because some don’t survive it, and I’m sure you don’t want to gamble with your life like that. They fought for your freedom – don’t mess that up.”
What will he do after prison?
“I want to look for youngsters and give them the tools and the counsel they need to be able to recognise their talent and abilities. I also want to help them with careers as writers or musicians. Then I’ll move on to education and teach children as much as I possibly can.”
Look out for Part 3 of this trilogy: An iron pen for the greedy kid
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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