Killer turns her life around in jail
A DURBAN woman convicted of the murder of her lover’s wife has turned her life around and is helping fellow inmates empower themselves.
Mumtaz Osman, 43, who was involved in the 2006 murder of Monika Manilall was sentenced to life imprisonment, along with Manilall’s husband, Sunesh, and Victor Mbatha in 2010.
Manilall was shot dead in her Howick home when confronted by four men while she held her 1-year-old child. Osman transported the men.
Sunesh brought an application this week for an extension to his R40 000 bail. The matter is pending.
Osman said she was trying hard to right her wrong.
She said being in jail had changed her life and her outlook on women’s issues.
“Jail is not a nice place. I was part of a crime and although the warning signs were there in 2006, I gave in to protect my two children because of threats to my life. If I had to do it all over again I would alert the police. I blame myself for allowing an innocent woman to die,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she has decided to use the opportunity, and rehabilitation programmes, to her benefit.
Osman is studying for her BCom degree, has done a course in Islamic banking and finance, and is a second-year hospitality student. She is also one of the chefs preparing halaal food for Muslim inmates.
She told the Sunday Tribune Herald that finding God, and having the support of other inmates, gave her strength.
“I know it sounds like a cliché, but I have learned to embrace God and have grown spiritually. It feels so amazing to have women who encourage you, and provide a shoulder for you to cry on,” said Osman.
The scariest part of prison, she said, was being away from her two sons, aged 21 and 23.
She said when they found out she was an accomplice to murder they were disappointed in her, and it had taken years to get their relationship back on track.
“I just want to make my children proud of me and I want to make peace with Monika’s family through the prison’s victim-offender dialogue. They may not forgive me, but it is worth a try.
“To women out there, remember crime does not pay,” said Osman.