Murderers ‘happy’ to build home for poor KZN family

Durban – Convicted murderers and other criminals say they were happy to build a home for a poor KwaZulu-Natal woman and her two children.

Sizakele Jiyane, 31, says having an actual home and being able to walk from room to room was a dream come true.

This week Jiyane, from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal, and her family received a brand new home built by prisoners from the Ncome prison.

“My husband died in the shack we were sharing and life has been very tough for me and my two children since he died,” Jiyane said.

“We have been surviving on the R600 grant they receive every month.”

Jiyane, a drain cleaner, thanked God for the house.

“The shack was cold and when it rained, water seeped in. But now for the first time I will be able to move from the kitchen to the lounge and to the bedrooms, which is something I never had before.”

Jiyane said she was shocked when she walked into the house and found it furnished.

“There were sofas, beds, a stove and a fridge in the kitchen. There was even a garden. I hope they will do this for other South Africans,” she said.

‘They are human too’

Vilani Mtshali, 45, from Ladysmith, who is serving a 15-year sentence for murder, said he built the roof, installed the doors and some of the plumbing work on the house which took five months to build.

“I am happy for the family. They really deserve it. This also shows we can do good.”

Sifiso Goge, 35, also serving 15 years for murder, had advice for Jiyane’s children. “They must stay in school and get an education, because life in prison is tough. It’s not nice to be away from your family,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal deputy commissioner Berthwell Mchunu said he was proud of the prisoners. “This is what we want to see when they get back into society. They must change lives.

“They did a great job and this shows they are human too. I hope they will continue even when they complete their sentences,” he said.