Reformed gangster has reason to live
WHEN Walter Maqabaza and his gang decided to rob a church and its congregants of the collection and their personal belongings, he was unaware that this was the turning point that would steer him away from a life of life of gangsterism.
Born 43 years ago in Kirkwood, Maqabaza, who now lives in New Brighton, is a transformed man.
Yesterday, he said he did not believe he should still be alive but has dedicated the remainder of his life to educating others, particularly youngsters, about the dangers associated with alcohol, drugs and crime.
Maqabaza has also written a book, published by Lesedi House last year, titled My Life, From Crisis to Christ.
The book gives details of Maqabaza’s journey from a former gang member, professional boxer, freedom fighter and notorious armed robber who often targeted churches, to his time behind bars and beyond.
On July 31 2014, Maqabaza said he and two companions had learnt there would be a four-day crusade in New Brighton organised by the Jesus Dominion International Church and saw this as a perfect opportunity to make money.
Prior to this, Maqabaza had served 10 years behind bars but was released on parole for a 1989 armed robbery related to an attack on worshippers at the Word of Faith Centre in William Moffett Expressway.
He and his accomplices decided to attend the first day of the crusade at Centenary Hall, saying they first needed to establish the set-up with regard to how the money was collected, by how many people and where it was kept.
“We planned to join the congregants but out of the blue I heard a voice saying ‘behold, this is my son’. I began to sweat although the weather was very cold that day,” Maqabaza said.
His mind started to reflect and played pictures of all the crimes he had committed, he said.
“I began to cry. This was contrary to the belief [of a] 28s gang leader. You are not supposed to weep,” Maqabaza said. “Then the prophet said from the pulpit, ‘we have been visited by robbers’.
“While everyone in there turned around to see who they were, he [the prophet] said we are all sinners, including himself,” he said.
“I cannot tell you how I found myself move to the front so quickly, kneeling at the altar to accept Christ as my Lord and Saviour. My life changed from that day.”
He spoke of how his mother disowned him because of his liking for firearms and that it took church leaders to reconcile the family.
He also spoke of how the 28 Gang tried to kill him three times, twice at St Albans prison and once at Middledrift, after he denounced his involvement in gang activities that took place prior to his turning to Christ.
“I am not supposed to still be alive today. Friends I used to commit these crimes with are all dead,” Maqabaza said.
“The reason I am still alive is that I need to make an impact and change the mindset of the youth of South Africa.”
Maqabaza now speaks at schools and prisons.