Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
PRISON inmates from across the country got a rare opportunity to mix and mingle with relatives and other members of society during the family week established to promote rehabilitation and re-integration.
In Mashonaland Central, inmates had a memorable day as they interacted for lengthy periods with family and relatives during the family week created by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS).
“I am happy with this week because I get to talk to my father for a longer period other than the normal and short visiting hours. It means a lot to me,” an inmate told the ZBC News.
“This week is important for me, it feels like we are just at home, you know when your relative is incarcerated, you do not have peace of mind, you always recall the last time you met in flashes as memories tend to fade,” said another.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to see my wife despite being incarcerated. It is quite a special week they have created,” yet another inmate said.
Apart from entertainment provided by a variety of groups comprising the prison band, inmates’ choir, and nyau dancers, visitors also had the opportunity to provide goodies for the inmates.
“We are happy because this exercise had been stopped during the last four years during to various pandemics. Since Monday, visitors are coming in numbers and so far, we have about 205 prisoners who got visits from 406 people and they got the chance to talk and eat together,” said Chief Correctional Officer Nyanyiwa Mavhura, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Bindura Acting OIC.
At Guruve Prison, a heart-warming story emerged after an inmate held his recently born twin babies for the first time since his wife was pregnant when he was incarcerated.
Family Week was introduced by the ZPCS in 2017 to cement the bond between inmates and their families, ensuring those behind bars remain connected to their loved ones.
