Story by Tafara Chikumira
Prison inmates in the Midlands province had a memorable week as the province joined the rest of the country in observing the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Open Week.
It was a fun-filled week as prisoners in the province got a chance to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
Hundreds of inmates at Shurugwi, Kwekwe and Whawha Young Offenders’ Prison, who rarely get visitors, also got a rare treat as Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube spoiled them with foodstuffs and essentials for their day-to-day needs.
“I am very happy with the leadership we have been given by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Today I have managed to enjoy a very good meal as Minister Ncube has remembered us. Some of us we rarely receive visitors and today we are enjoying braai and some chicken,” said one of the prisoners.
Another added, “I just wish every week was an open week. This has been the greatest time of my life as an inmate. To be close to the loved ones is every human being’s dream. I managed to witness that my family is doing well out there.”
Minister Ncube says his gesture is driven by the First Family’s philanthropic works while taking a cue from government’s inclusive development agenda.
“We have testimonies of successful rehabilitation of victims of drug and substance abuse through the First Lady’s motherly intervention, which is commendable. Ladies and gentlemen, rehabilitation and future reintegration of inmates into society is top on the agenda of the Second Republic,” he said.
Stakeholders and relatives of inmates concur the open week helps them bond with their loved ones.
“This programme by the Prisons is of paramount importance. We are here to remind prisoners that being incarcerated doesn’t mean the end of the world. We are here to give them moral support so that they understand that crime does not pay,” said one of the stakeholders.
“I came here to show my husband his family. He needs to understand that we need him even if he is serving time in prison. We wish him all the best until he comes back home,” said a spouse of one of the inmates.
The ZPCS says the prison open week is part of various programmes which seek to successfully reintegrate inmates into society in line with the mandate of the institution.
“This is a very important week on our calendar where we prepare our inmates to go back into society. When they mix and mingle with the outside world they get the feeling that they are loved and it also helps on their behaviour while serving time,” said ZPCS Midlands Officer Commanding, Commissioner Somemore Gate.
The ZPCS is on a drive to rehabilitate offenders through various activities meant to equip them with life skills.
