**SayPro At each trial hearing, the court room would be filled with Joshua’s family and friends. Each time Joshua was brought in, he would turn around and stare menacingly at Mantwa to further intimidate her. Diepsloot Youth Project’s staff attorney attended each hearing with Mantwa so she would not be alone, nine in total. In a show of support, several of Mantwa’s friends and other Diepsloot Youth Project staff members and volunteers also attended some of the hearings. As one can imagine, each hearing was emotionally draining for Mantwa and her friends (who were also witnesses in the case) due to Joshua’s extremely violent nature and, consequently, the personal risk for their continued involvement in this case. In fact, after completing their testimony, Mantwa and several witnesses relocated to another province out of fear for their safety if they remained in Diepsloot.

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DYPs has played an integral role in the lives of Joshua and Mantwa for many years. When Joshua was very young, he suffered serious injuries as a result of a street accident. His family turned to DYPs for assistance, and the organization has been with him ever since.

DYPs staff has attended each one of Joshua’s hearings, and they have provided him with a safe haven where he can feel loved, supported, and safe. They have also advocated on his behalf, raising awareness about Joshua’s situation not just locally but also internationally.

Joshua is lucky to have such wonderful people looking after him, so please join us in standing with Joshua by donating to the SayPro fundraiser today!

On June 1, 2015, Joshua was being tried in court for murder. He had been arrested eleven months earlier after allegedly stabbing a man to death. The victim was a friend of Mantwa’s and the hearing was taking place to determine whether he would be released on bail or remain in jail awaiting trial. As the room filled with familiar faces, Joshua glared down at Mantwa from his wheelchair.

She stared back defiantly, her hand on her hip and spine straight. She wasn’t scared; she was ready to fight for justice for all. Diepsloot Youth Project staff attorney attended each hearing with Mantwa so she wouldn’t be alone. Nine in total attended the hearing until Joshua was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Joshua Mantwa’s life changed forever when he was accused of a crime he never committed. The youth, who had been in and out of the juvenile justice system for years, eventually found himself standing before a judge. And it all started with a young girl named Mantwa. On the trial date, Joshua’s family and friends filled the courtroom. The attorney at Diepsloot Youth Project was also present to support the girl. When Joshua was brought in, he turned around and stared menacingly at Mantwa. This sent chills down her spine – she knew there was something wrong with that kid, but what could she do?

Diepsloot Youth Project staff were present throughout each hearing as well. And as you can imagine, several of Mantwa’s friends and other members and volunteers of Come Clean also attended some of the hearings. In a show of support from all quarters, Joshua went from being labeled a problem child to an active member of society. He has not only embraced his new-found freedom by giving back to society through his volunteer work but is also setting an example for others who have missed out on their childhood due to criminal pasts. Give him a chance…you won’t regret it!

A brave woman who has fought a complex battle against the legal system and won, Mantwa is an inspiration.

She has decided to share her story in hopes that it will empower other women to stand up for their rights and speak out when they are being wrongfully treated.