Ondangwa — CRIMINAL offenders need to be rehabilitated in such a way that the community accepts them on their return to society to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the country.

These were the remarks of Oshana Regional Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa at the Anti-Crime campaign at Oluno in Ondangwa.

The campaign, titled 'Crime and Economy' was organised by the Ministry of Prisons and Correctional Services.

Kashuupulwa is of the opinion that most offenders are victims of circumstances and only need to be guided to find their direction in life.

He said some offenders are repeatedly breaking the law, because of the fear of and rejection by society on their release from prison.

Kashuupulwa further said that crime impacts negatively on any country's economy through driving away local and foreign investors.

For this reason, Government needs to enforce a penal code that punishes offenders stiffly.

Kashuupulwa also warned the inmates on the dangers of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and advised prisoners who are due for release to change their lifestyle of carefree living as it might cost them their lives.

He also urged those already infected to go for counselling and to start living a positive life.