He was convicted and sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment in 2003 for committing armed robberies around Thohoyandou. After he was released on parole in February 2011, he decided to turn his life around.
Sipho Nthangeni (40) of Thohoyandou P East has created a job for himself and four other unemployed community members by washing cars at his car wash, Vukuzenzele.
Vukuzenzele means to do it yourself.
"Life was a nightmare after I was released from the Kutama-Sinthumule Maximum Security Prison in 2011 with no jobs around, until someone advised me to stand up and do things on my own. I decided to start a car wash at my father's house in November 2012 after I was given old car-wash machine and an old vacuum cleaner," said Nthangeni.
"My business started to go from strength to strength and I decided to employ some community members to help me wash cars. I am a boss who employs four people who can now put food on the table for their families," he proudly added.
Last Monday, Vukuzenzele Car Wash received a boost when two car washing machines and a vacuum cleaner were donated to Nthangeni, with the assistance of the Thohoyandou Nedbank branch, New Life after Prison Community Forum and Mulase Business Connection.
Pastor Ndikandafhi Makhuvha, the chairperson of New life after Prison Community Forum said there were many people who were arrested and given heavy sentences, but if God had given them a second chance in life, they could make a meaningful contribution to the community after being released from prison.
"We are pleased with what Nthangeni is doing to change his life for the better, and even for other unemployed community members working with him in his car wash."