A man once condemned to death for murder has been given a new purpose in life, helping save young people from making the same mistakes that cost him more than three decades behind bars.
This emerged during a thanksgiving prayer service held at kaLanga, where former inmate Boyce Bhekinkosiyezulu Gama, who spent 35 years in prison before being released under a Royal Pardon by His Majesty King Mswati III,
was officially entrusted by Senator Chief Jozane Maziya with leading community efforts to discourage crime, gangsterism and drug abuse. 
The appointment marks an extraordinary transformation for a man who entered prison in 1992 and was sentenced to death the following year after being convicted of murder.
His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment, setting him on a path of rehabilitation that has now seen him become a symbol of hope and redemption.
Addressing those gathered at the thanksgiving prayer, Chief Jozane said communities needed people whose life experiences could resonate with young people facing the temptations of crime.
“Nami ku communities sengitfole lija lengitabo lisebentisa ku motivetha labanye,” he said,
explaining that Gama would work closely with community structures to educate young people about the devastating consequences of criminal behaviour, gangsterism and substance abuse.
The Chief said Gama’s testimony carries credibility because it comes from someone who has experienced first-hand the consequences of poor decisions before turning his life around.
For Gama, the journey from death row to community service has been one of faith, education and personal transformation.
“I was in prison for 35 years. I received Christ in 1997 while in prison. It was difficult, but I ended up trusting Him,” he said.
He said accepting Christ became the turning point that changed his outlook on life and inspired him to rebuild himself despite spending decades behind bars.
Another defining moment came in 2001 when a delegation from His Majesty informed him that his death sentence had been commuted to life imprisonment, giving him renewed hope for the future.
Determined not to waste the opportunity, Gama pursued education while incarcerated.
He obtained a degree in Psychology and furthered his studies in theology and biblical teachings, becoming an advocate for personal development and rehabilitation within correctional facilities.
He said education, discipline and faith enabled him to emerge from prison as a different person from the one who had entered it decades earlier.
Gama expressed gratitude to Their Majesties, Correctional Services authorities and everyone who supported his rehabilitation, saying their belief in second chances had made his transformation possible.
He also revealed that he has sought forgiveness from those he wronged and has committed himself to helping others avoid the path that led to his imprisonment.
Having already begun speaking at schools and community institutions, Gama said he has been warmly received wherever he has shared his testimony, giving him hope that his experiences can positively influence the next generation.
Chief Jozane said Gama’s remarkable journey demonstrates that rehabilitation can produce powerful ambassadors for positive change, adding that communities stand to benefit from people who have turned their lives around.
