dyton mupawaenda
Tafara Chibanda
A SERIAL thief, who claims he was influenced into criminal activities by the notorious Stephen Chidhumo, which led him to be arrested on 36 counts of rape, car theft and armed robbery, says he has turned his life around and will soon mark 12 years since he was last in prison.
The 48-year-old, with an ironic first name, is from Epworth.
Christian Kabasa says he was influenced into criminal activities by the notorious Chidhumo, who was hanged in 2002, bringing to an end a life in crime in which he committed murder and armed robberies. Chidhumo and Edgar Masendeke are widely acknowledged as the only prisoners to escape from Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Yesterday, Kabasa had a wide-ranging interview with H-Metro and even claimed he has now embracedu Jesus Christ as his Saviour.
“My time in prison taught me many lessons and helped me become a good person, I received Jesus Christ as my Saviour, that is when I realised that going to prison does not mean your life has ended.
“It is a chance to learn and restrain from the crimes you committed. Many people spread the wrong narratives that if you go to prison unoitwa kafiramberi, there are false stories being spread that prisoners’ food is usually mixed with cement to assassinate them.”
Kabasa, who only served 12 years of his 36-year sentence before being released, expressed gratitude for the grace of God and the support he received from Faith Ministries, which helped him to receive and accept Jesus.
“I developed an addiction to the crimes I committed and jail was now my home because I would not spend much time without being arrested,” he said.
“Accepting Jesus made a huge impact in my life, because I had a stroke while I was in prison which made me get into a wheelchair but through God’s healing power I managed to get off the wheelchair. When I was released from prison, I became a miner but nothing came out of it.”
He said he was discriminated against by his relatives, during his incarceration.
He credits his newly-found faith to the assistance he received from organisations like the Zimbabwe Association for Crime Protection and Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO), which helped him reconnect with his loved ones and those he had wronged, allowing him to ask for forgiveness.
“While I was in prison my wife visited and told me she could not hold any no longer to the relationship as I was sentenced to 36 years.”
Kabasa is preparing to host a party to celebrate the 12th anniversary celebration of his release from prison.
“The event is scheduled for October, I am expecting a huge turnout.
“I am seeking sponsorship from prominent figures to ensure the success of the event.
“I am reaching out to many people, pastors and churches to attend this event, they should come and witness the power of God.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter