MIDVAAL – Former convict Sylvester Mofokeng(52), who spent 33 years behind bars after being convicted of murder when he was just 23 has urged young people to stay away from crime.
Mofokeng’s multiple convictions and sentences include theft, robbery, vandalism, unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, escaping from prison, attempted murder, and murder.
Since he came out of prison, Mofokeng has become a media sensation, often seen telling young people about the horror he experienced while he was incarcerated for more than three decades.
Mofokeng uses his story as an educational tool to get young people to stay away from crime.
Mofokeng relayed his jail experience to a venue filled with over 1000 young people from Midvaal Local Municipality. His delivery during the 2024 youth summit held at the Midvaal Christian Centre touched many young people.
“I started doing drugs at a very young age. I had to do crime at around 11 years old to maintain my drug habits. I was arrested because I committed various crimes together with people older than me just to get a fix.”
Mofokeng said the crimes got worse and he was later arrested for the murder of a doctor.
“I was gone, my life was ruined forever. So, I would urge you not to do drugs, go to school, and get an education. You still have a chance.”
Mofokeng has since changed his life and geared his energy towards speaking to young people and teaching them about the impact of crime on one’s life. Attendees were inspired not to follow in Mofokeng’s footsteps.
