Carene van der Westhuizen talks to Rian about life after prison
Carene van der Westhuizen worked as an accountant in Belleville before she was sentenced for fraud in 2012. Now, Carene talks about making friends with Dina Rodrigues and Najwa Petersen, as well as what it is like reintegrating into society after serving time.
Carene van der Westhuizen was found guilty on 111 counts of fraud and one of failing to submit a tax return by the Bellville Regional Court in 2012. Carene, who had been working as an accountant, took R450 000 by inflating expenses and pocketing cheques that should have been directed to SARS.
On her blog, Carene talks about how the time spent in prison changed her. She talks about how life as an inmate is vastly different from life as a free person, sharing the ordeal of being isolated from the outside world. Carene also speaks about the journey of forgiveness.
Just before Carene's first six months in prison were up, something remarkable happened: she gave birth to a baby girl.
Carene spoke about how the pregnancy and birth took her by complete surprise:
Carene served her sentence at the Worcester Prison at the same time as Dina Rodrigues, who is notorious for the murder of Baby Jordan, and Najwa Petersen, who was convicted of the murder of her husband Taliep Petersen in 2006.
Carene describes Dina as a loving person who supported her throughout her time in prison. When asked how she feels about the fact that Dina masterminded the murder of a baby, Carene says that she does not judge others, and that everyone deserves a second chance in life.
Carene explained to Rian that leaving prison and reintegrating into society is a difficult process. Specifically, finding gainful employment is nearly impossible as interviewers are only focused on the criminal record and not on the ex-inmate's skills or capabilities.
Carene found a way to overcome this obstacle, starting her own business called Bibbinu.