Thato Gaobepe, a reformed convict currently on parole, is sharing valuable advice with community members about the importance of leading a crime-free life. Gaobepe's journey through the criminal justice system has given him a unique perspective on the long-term consequences of illegal activities. Gaobepe underscores the critical message that "crime does not pay."
He speaks from personal experience, emphasizing how committing a crime leaves an indelible mark on one's life, with lasting repercussions. The presence of your fingerprints in the criminal justice system can haunt you for a lifetime, as a criminal record can severely limit employment opportunities, particularly in the government sector, and can even render you unemployable.
“Immediately when you commit a crime, it means your finger will be in the system, when your fingers are there, it follows you for life as a criminal record. So, keep your fingers as clean as possible while you can still can," he said. As a result of his own experiences, having spent time in prison after being arrested in Rustenburg in 2006 for rape. He served his sentence from 2009 until his release on parole in 2020, extending his parole period until 2029.
The three-year trial period from 2006 to 2009 added further challenges to his journey to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. He acknowledges that prison can have a detrimental effect on one's psychological well-being. The loss of freedom, confinement, and isolation from the outside world can cause mental strain. He said, "You can't be encamped like an animal."
The mind starts to act differently when imprisoned, making it essential to resist the influence of other inmates and negative behaviours. While in prison, Gaobepe encountered various individuals with expertise in different forms of criminal activity. zThe pressure to conform to such influences is high, and individuals must fight against it.
Gaobepe speaks of his struggle not to succumb to these temptations during incarceration. He warns that prison can transform individuals from partially good to entirely embroiled in criminal behaviour. Despite the challenges he faced in prison, Gaobepe recognizes the value of rehabilitation programmes in the correctional system.
These programmes, led by professionals, played a pivotal role in his rehabilitation process. He participated in three programmes, which taught him valuable life skills, including problem-solving and decision-making. The skills he acquired during these programmes have proven essential in his life post-release.
Gaobepe can now make informed choices when confronted with challenging situations, ensuring his decisions are rooted in a positive purpose. Gaobepe's story is a testament to the power of rehabilitation and the potential for transformation, even for individuals who have faced incarceration.
His advice to the community serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying crime-free and avoiding the lasting consequences of criminal records. As Gaobepe continues to rebuild his life, he hopes his message will resonate with others, encouraging them to make the right choices and embrace opportunities for personal growth and change.
