Vanessa Goosen’s story is a story of hope, determination, and faith. There is also a story of hardship, betrayal and prison life.
For 16 years, six months and 16 days, Vanessa Goosen, a former Miss SA semi-finalist, was incarcerated in Lard Yao women’s prison in Bangkok, Thailand.
Vanessa was asked to bring back four engineering books from Thailand for a customer. The books were found to have compartments in the front and back hardcover and spine containing 1.7kg of heroin.
Aged 21 and pregnant, she was arrested and tried on drug trafficking charges. She faced a trial in a language she did not understand and was sentenced to death, fortunately, her sentence was commuted to life. Through two appeals – one of which was rejected – and a process of amnesty from the king of Thailand, Goosen eventually served 16 and a half years. On October 30, 2010, she was released, finally reaching Joburg on November 5.
Vanessa spoke to The Bulletin about her ordeal and had a message for travellers. Listen to her conversation with The Bulletin.
Vanessa is now a Motivational Speaker, Author and Pastor. She spoke at a function hosted by Secunda Mall in Cappuccinos on Monday night. Many people that The Bulletin spoke to said that her story had found its mark in their hearts. It is a very moving story.
Vanessa spoke a little about the hardships that she had to endure in prison, she also told the audience about giving birth in prison and having to send her little girl back to South Africa at the age of three. Even though there were a few visits from her daughter it would be thirteen years before she could hug her again.
Both Vanessa and Felicia, her daughter, wrote a book about their ordeal.
Vanessa’s book is called “Drug Muled, Sixteen Years in a Thai Prison” and Felicia’s book is called Prison Child.
If you would like to obtain a copy of Vanessa’s book you may send her an email as the book is currently out of print. She would inform you where and when to obtain a copy when the reprint occurs. The email address is: info@vgse.co.za
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Vanessa on 0735624160 or vanessa.goosen@speakersinc.co.za if you would like her to speak at your function.
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