Maseru, April 21 — Crime prevention, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex-offenders Association (CRROA) signed a memorandum of understanding with Men Psycho Emotional First Aid (MPEFA) that is aimed at reintegrating them back into the community and finding the real sources that make men commit crimes.
Speaking in a meeting, the Directorof MPEFA, Mrs. Tankiso Shoaepane, indicated that the collaboration of the two associations is going to assist overcome challenges faced by men at work and other surroundings that lead them to commit crimes.
Mrs. Shoaepane explained that when a man’s mental health is healthy, the family and community becomes at peace and no violence or crimes will be committed.
She further highlighted that judgements from the courts of men are becoming high.
She emphasised that despite severe sentences unlike in the past, the prisons are still becoming overpopulated.
She noted that however, they will look into the real cause of men committing crimes because she wants to believe that the issues leading to crimes are overlooked and not addressed nor given enough attention.
Meanwhile, Programme Manager of CRROA, Mrs. Itumeleng Mafa said men have to ask for assistance when they experience life challenges that trigger them to behave illegally because by doing that it can help change their life for a good course that is meant to lead to employment.
She indicated that what increases the population of male ex-offenders is the discrimination they get from their community and when any action of crime occurs they are the first to be blamed.
CRROA and MPEFA stated that they will have open platforms at villages, schools and workplaces that will equip men to raise their concerns and challenges about their life’s that will help them to be psychologically strong and avoid committing crimes.
Both associations plead to non-governmental organisations to collaborate in combating crimes.
Ends/MM/tl
