Back home after 12yrs a changed man

By EHEYUC SESERU
A prisoner who had served 12 years was welcomed into his village by family, church and community leaders over the weekend.
Malachi Mathias completed his jail term on Friday and was greeted by community and PNG Bible church leaders in Zenag, Morobe, on Saturday.
Mathias was accompanied by Buimo Prison management, warders and fellow inmates.
Prison official Sgt Jill Tulo thanked the church for always supporting the prison and the prisoners
“We’ve trained and rehabilitated him,” she said.
“He was young when he went into Buimo, and now, he’s changed a lot.
“He found maturity in the prison.
“Malachi has benefited from a lot of projects and got a lot of external support.”
Sgt Tulo said Mathias had been rehabilitated and prepared to start a new life in the community.
“We are happy that the inmate was openly welcomed into the community by family, members of community and the church,” she said.
“So he cannot feel rejected and resort to crime again.”
Sgt Tulo discouraged other youths from causing disharmony in community as they could end up in prison.
Buimo Prison administration manager Snr Insp Lancelot Paine said Mathias was a changed person and was now a role model.
Insp Paine urged young people not to cause problem.
“Prison is not like before,” he said.
“Law is killing people.
“Stop causing problems and live peacefully with your family.
“Mathias went through a lot and he became tough.
“He will play a role in community. See him as a changed person.
“He’s a new person now.
“A new kid on the block.”
Mathias had spent most of his prime years in prison for various crimes.
The 39-year-old’s last 12 years was spent in prison for murder.
Bible church’s Lae district chairman Pr Jacob Korua said the community was ready to work with Mathias.
“Welcome to your village, you are our son and we wanted to make up for the years you spent in prison,” he said.