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Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Reporter
At least 156 female inmates are behind bars again at Chikurubi Female Prison barely a year after 195 others were freed under a Presidential Amnesty.
Giving an update of conditions of female prisoners to Government officials, Superintendent Emelda Chifoda, said the 156 inmates consisted of foreigners, pregnant women and the mentally disturbed.
“We have 156 female inmates, 88 have been convicted for various offences while 68 are awaiting trial. Eleven are prohibited immigrants while five are mentally ill,
“Seven foreigners are from Uganda, three from the Democratic Republic of Congo while one is from Cameroon. Among the inmates four are pregnant. We have 10 children consisting of seven boys and three girls,” she said.
The 195 female inmates were released when President Mugabe extended a Presidential pardon on February 12 this year in terms of section 112 (a) and (d) of the Zimbabwean Constitution.
After the pardon only two women serving life sentence remained behind bars.
Supt Chifoda said only one female inmate now faces life sentence after the other one died.
Supt Chifoda said they faced hardships of food, blankets, pads and appealed to the corporate world to continue assisting them.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs Miriam Chikukwa, said the conditions for women behind bars had improved, but more effort was needed in looking after incarcerated men.
“By coming here, donating and touring the prison wards, it is a gesture that we need improved conditions of the welfare of prisoners around the country.
Everytime I come women are well dressed. But for men the conditions are still not upbeat, concerted efforts are needed from both Government and the corporate world,” she said.
She brought with her 12 different samples of blankets, which needed clearance from the officials before the Kingdom Church donates the blankets.
Kingdom Church Reverend Climate Irungu, said his church had decided to start donating blankets to the female inmates after every three months.
Before the Presidential Amnesty there were 18 980 prisoners countrywide against a holding capacity of 17 000.
Online Reporter