The Restorative Forum held a prayer service at the Standerton Correctional Services Centre on 19 April.
The forum includes representatives from different government departments and other community-based organisations.
The prayer was aimed at encouraging the inmates to change their lives for the better and to build a relationship between the forum and the inmates as well.
Pastor from different churches were also present at the meeting.
The inmates responded positively and attended in their numbers.
They shared their experiences of being in the centre, saying they have learned a lot.
According to them, the Restorative Justice Programme helps with the rehabilitation process.
This programme is an approach to justice that focuses on the needs of the victims and the offenders, as well as the involved community.
This is in contrasts to more punitive approaches where the main aim is to punish the offender or satisfy abstract legal principles.
Mr Charles Msibi of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) encouraged the inmates to follow all the rehabilitation processes so that they can be fully rehabilitated.
He said they all have a positive role that they can play in their communities.
Mr Msibi urged the inmates to begin their own businesses and avoid engaging in criminal activities when they are released from prison.
According to Sgt George Dhlamini, communications officer of the Sakhile Police, some of the inmates are repeat offenders.
He said when released from prison they commit crime again.
“It is important that they use this time to learn new skills that will help them in the future.”
Capt Masotsha Hlatshwayo, who is also a pastor, shared the word of God and requested the offenders to give their lives to Jesus.
“It does not mean it is the end of their lives just because they are in prison,” Capt Hlatswayo said.
“God has better plans for them.”
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