My dear friends
On the 6th of November 2004 Radio Khwezi aired what I
believe was one of the most significant stories in the history of 'Ngikhumbule' (Remember
me) - a special program that seeks to help the community understand what life is like
behind bars. On the other hand 'Ngikhumbule' highlights positive measures inside jails
that are aimed at correcting the characters of criminals.
The program presenter, Christian Hlongwane, hosted Captain
Zethembe Chonco, Station Commander of the Kranskop Police Station and Nhlanhla Gasela who
had been released from prison on the 1st of November after serving a long sentence for
murder.
Nhlanhla kicked off by thanking Captain Chonco for catching
him and making sure that he paid for his crime. After the murder his accomplices were
nabbed by the police but Nhlanhla tried hard to disappear into thin air. One day however
Captain Chonco and his men cornered him in his dungeon and he had to face the music.
On further questioning by Christian, Nhlanhla admitted that
at first his attitude to the captain was negative but Captain Chonco followed him up in
jail and never gave up till Nhlanhla had seen the light.
Christian asked Captain Chonco if there were others who like
Nhlanhla ended up thanking him for making them face their crimes. In his 22 years in the
police service the captain said Nhlanhla's was the third such case. On the contrary,
Captain Chonco receives constant death threats from those he has brought before the law.
Nhlanhla thanked his family for not siding with him in his
evil deeds. He had high praise for his courageous mother who steadfastly stood on the side
of the truth. His older brother accompanied the police the day they pinned him down.
Nhlanhla confessed publicly that at first he was angry with his brother but after the
turnabout in his life he had admiration for him.
In his response Captain Chonco thanked the Gasela family for
their integrity. In his experence family members stick to the culprit even after it's
become clear how much damage he or she has caused.
Another important aspect Nhlanhla touched upon was the
vicious cycle of blood revenge. He mentioned how after his father was murdered his people
sought to avenge his murder. Blood was spilt but that didn't bring back his father.
Nhlanhla then came up with a worthy suggestion; how much better it would be if the
energies and finance spent on revenge would be used to support the family of the deceased!
This discussion meant much to me since for many years I've
been saddened by faction fights that spring up from generation to generation. In many
cases few or none can tell you what the original reason was for taking up arms. Border
disputes are often the cause but it's not uncommon that wrangling between two young men
over a young woman sparks off a wider conflict. Believe it or not, dog fights, a stolen
guitar, killing a cat from across the river are among reasons cited for triggering wars.
Sometimes the only response you get when you ask why the one side is attacking the other
is "Bayedelela laba" (These people are too big for their shoes).
Unfortunately, once someone has died the original cause
doesn't matter any more; revenge drives people mad. Some young boys grow up with one
ambition in life - earning enough money to buy guns and kill their fathers' killers.
What did Nhlanhla and his friends have against Mr Phakathi,
the man they murdered? In fact nothing; they had been hired as hitmen.
'Izinkabi' (oxen) as hitmen are called have added another
terrible factor in the problem of violence. For example, it's been said that peace
initiatives amongst warring taxi factions are often foiled by hitmen whose interests are
better served by ongoing friction. To them targets mean business. What a business!
It moved me to hear Nhlanhla apologising and pleading for
forgiveness from the Phakathi family. Captain Chonco added to Nhlanhla's plea, warning
that if the Phakathis attacked Nhlanhla to avenge their brother's death that would solicit
a similar response from the Gaselas.
Admittedly, the South African Correctional Services
Department is doing it's best to design good programmes that are aimed at changing the
characters of prisoners. Christian reminds us that the new term for prisons is
'correctional centres'; prisoners are 'correctional clients'. Well, whether they are
prisoners or correctional clients the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. As
most of those who are in prison ministry would testify Dr Jesus is the Ultimate Heart
Specialist!
The turning point in Nhlanhla's life was the meeting with
Jesus in prison. That's how he broke loose from the shackles of alcohol and other
destructive influences. He admits publicly that he was a terrible sinner saved by grace
alone.
You'll agree with me that Nhlanhla deserves our special
prayers. With his release come many forces into play. May the Lord who began the good work
in him accomplish His purposes with him.
Men like Captain Chonco are a rarity. Besides his regular
hazardous work in the South African Police Service he is a vital member of the Governing
Body of Radio Khwezi and a leading member of the Executive Committee of the Masibumbane
Listeners' Club. I've known him as a man of courage and vision. We love him but we are
well aware that some love to hate him. Remember him too.
Christian's genuine love for inmates is touching. He doesn't
shy from testifying how he experienced jail before his conversion. He reaches out because
somebody reached out to him. Freely he received, freely he gives. May the fire of love for
souls remain ablaze.
We need more 'Christians'.
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep
your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11)
"In the same way, let your light shine
before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
