Inmates speak on government’s rehabilitation efforts
Story by Providence Maraneli
Inmates at Gwanda Prison have lauded the Second Republic for its efforts to move away from a punitive to a correctional and rehabilitation system by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS).
With the festive season upon us, there was something to cheer about for inmates at Gwanda Prison and patients at Gwanda Provincial Hospital after the local legislator mobilised food hampers for the two institutions.
With the prison population largely youthful, inmates are appealing for acceptance by society after release.
“We are appealing to you MP to mobilise resources for projects for ex-convicts so that we have something to do after release, because it is difficult to live with the people who you wronged even if you are a changed person,” said one of the inmates.
Another added, “We are now in the second republic and it is now correctional services may the message cascade down to everyone.”
“We are so grateful for the gesture. Gwanda is very hot, if it is possible may your office help us with a shade over here where we usually sit because some are having heat rushes,” said another inmate.
“Sometimes when we get bail our parents might have no money or these are the same people we would have wronged so it becomes difficult may we be helped,” another reiterated.
“We appreciate the gesture shown by the MP it will go a long way in our rehabilitation programs,” said the officer in charge of Gwanda Prisons, Mr Ishmael Madzimbamuto.
Gwanda Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Mthandazo Mabanga said, “As we care for the sick, we also face challenges but this gift will go a long way in making sure that our patients have a good diet.”
The local legislator, Honourable Fisani Moyo pledged to mobilise resources to capacitate the prison for self-sustenance.
“As the legislator of this area, I feel that I have to do more to help this critical institution. There is a need to make sure that we push for sustainability in their projects. We also help in paying bail for those who were granted bail but failing to pay,” said Hon Moyo.
Meanwhile, Gwanda Old People’s Home also received food hampers.
As part of its rehabilitation and sustainability, Gwanda Prison is running a thriving horticulture, Boer goats and cattle projects.
