By: Natasha Archary
Chris Brown speaking about ‘the incident’ in his new documentary sparked discussion on whether there’s any truth to the saying, ‘once an offender, always an offender.’
Or is it possible that someone who commits a crime able to fully reform and never commit a criminal offence again?
Apart from Brown, one of South Africa’s most controversial prisoners, Janusz Walus, was recently granted parole after spending 29-years in prison for the murder of Chris Hani.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo granted Walus parole citing that he shows no signs of reoffending and exhibiting behaviour or remorse for his crimes.
Does this mean there’s a timeframe to reforming?
According to a study, if a reoffence were to occur it would typically happen between 1 to 5-years after release.
Upwards of 65% of first time offenders never commit another crime, but does the nature of the crime have any influence on the possibility of reoffending?
Once an offender, always an offender
In Chris Brown’s case, which involved physically assaulting his partner at the time, Rihanna, some believe that if he did it once he will do it again.
Taking the research and its limitations into account, it is still likely that the general public’s belief that reoffence rates are high may not be accurate.
Rehabilitation for more serious crimes such as murder or serial sexual offences are more difficult to categorize however.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
Also read: No Pic, No Proof
