Former drug addict uses lockdown as an opportunity to rehabilitate

Video

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS & VIDEO - For up to 30 homeless people of Graaff-Reinet, the Alexander Laing Hall will be their home during lockdown - a law enforced to stop the spread of Covid-19.

One of these people is Justice Louw, who says he will use the lockdown as an opportunity to rehabilitate from using drugs, robbing people and breaking into houses.

According to him, he committed these crimes to survive and to get money to satisfy his drug addiction.

Louw was taken to the hall from his "crime base" near the show grounds by the Graaff-Reinet police on 30 March.

According to Louw, he immediately realised that this is a second chance at a good life. His circumstances spiralled out of control nine months ago.

At the time, Louw was an employee of a well-known business in town. With Grade 10 behind his name, which he passed at a local secondary school, he found himself in the company of criminals dwelling the streets, sleeping in pipes and holes, and making a living from robbery and other crimes.

He makes no secret of the fact that he has repeatedly robbed people, stabbed them with knives and broken into houses to survive, and ended up in jail several times. From there, he was nicknamed "Skal", as a dreaded criminal with a short temper.

Watch a video below:

Before even entering the Alexander Hall, Louw decided to hand over his knife and take on the challenging period of withdrawal symptoms and rehabilitation. "I miss my family and want to reunite with them after the lockdown. If they will take me in again, I don't know, but I will do anything to stay away from crime," Louw said.

Louw assisted Kosie Dolleys, supervisor of the Alexander Laing Hall, in drawing up a poster with the 10 golden rules of the haven, which includes respect and support for each other.

He said the food is nice, they can watch television, play cards and dominoes. "We're like a family and those who don't want to be part of us, we will show the support that our 'family' can give them."

Justice Louw at the Alexander Laing Hall. Photos: Christo Vermaak