By Kefiloe Kajane
The 74 gang members who were confined for rehabilitation at the Makoanyane military barracks are this week completing the second week since they rejoined with their families.
The group, which consisted of 72 young men and two women were released from the army barracks after undergoing a rehabilitation grilling.
They were taken to the place after a display of their groups on social media platforms brandishing dangerous weapons. They were accused of involvement in criminal activities such as theft of money and cell phones, robbing unsuspecting residents, killings as well as launching attacks on pedestrians.
Irked by the reports of such anti-social behaviours, the army decided to take a swoop on them and rehabilitate them at the barracks since April this year.
The gangsters, who are now known as Makoanyane Rangers were from Koalabata, Naleli, Ha Tsolo, Qoaling and Sekamaneng.
A villager who spoke to theReporter has expressed hopefulness that the rehabilitated youngsters would not return to their old ways after being grilled by the army.
‘Marapelang Seboka, who resides at Koalabata, pleaded with society to welcome the repented troublemakers with open arms as they have now undergone a cleansing under the disciplined forces.
She said they are still young and the three months they spent being rehabilitated have given her hope that they are set to become good citizens.
They should be given chance to prove that they are now repentant villagers who are to build on their better future, she urged.
“I wish they have learned the hard way and desist from their old activities. They were not born bad people and it might be easy for them to mend their ways,” Seboka said.
Another villager from Qoaling Tieho Moreki was also optimistic about the future of the youngsters saying they should influence other peers to live a better life free from crime.
“They are going to inspire many youths because no one can be around the military and not adapt to their discipline. I am personally very proud of them and how long they have come. I hope they all consider going back to school and doing things that will benefit their future. As of now we have not witnessed any suspected wrongdoing from those we know. We have welcomed them in our midst,” he claimed.
He reiterated his gratitude to the LDF officers who committed their time to change the hearts of the youngsters, adding that perhaps peace will prevail in their villages.
Speaking to this paper, Koalabata area chief ‘Makhomo Makoanyane said her community have welcomed the gangsters turned new persons and believed they would change their previous unacceptable behavior.
Two weeks ago, the LDF officers went on a somewhat sensitization campaign in the affected urban residences calling for reintegration of the youngsters.
The LDF Commander Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, who launched ‘Operation Namola’ to weed out young and dangerous criminals from the communities, had them detained at the barracks.
He has since courted the civil societies and churches to assist in counselling and supporting of the rangers.
