Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
BEE Bright Ncube, a 23-year-old inmate at Gwanda Prison, has spent over a year without a single visit from family since his incarceration in June 2022.
A visit by congregants from the Harvest House International Gwanda Central Church during the recently concluded family week therefore gave him a renewed sense of belonging and hope.
Ncube, originally from Beitbridge, is one of many inmates who did not receive family visitors during the family week. Recognising that some inmates might be left out during this crucial period, the Gwanda Prison administration reached out to various organisations for support. The Harvest House International Gwanda Central Church responded to this call.
On Sunday, congregants visited the prison and shared a meal with about 30 inmates before presenting them with gifts, including toiletries.
The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) organised the family week, which ran from Monday to Sunday. This initiative allows families to spend extended time with their incarcerated relatives, sharing meals and moments of connection. Children were also permitted to visit during this special week.
For Ncube, who was convicted of robbery, the visit from the church members had a profound meaning.
“My mother passed away and my father has never been involved in my life. The only person I have is my grandmother in Beitbridge but she’s too old to travel. Seeing my fellow inmates get visits from their relatives left me longing for someone to come and see me. I’m glad the people from church came; it showed me that I matter and that my well-being is important to some people,” he said.
The church’s visit also brought comfort to other inmates.
Zenzo Mzizi from Mberengwa, who is on remand for murder, described the interaction as therapeutic. Arrested in August last year, Mzizi appreciated the special treatment he received during the family week.
Similarly, Tobias Muchimba from Binga, also on remand for murder, expressed his gratitude to the prison authorities for ensuring that even those without visitors felt loved during the week.
“We value the good news of salvation they shared with us, which revived our hopes. The food and gifts reflected that, even though we are incarcerated, the outside community hasn’t forgotten us,” he said.
Martin Moyo, convicted of robbery in December 2022, echoed the same sentiments, highlighting the therapeutic effect of community visits.
“Sometimes I feel like the community’s worst enemy because of the crime I committed but when they continue to engage with me, I get a sense of belonging,” he said.
Gwanda Prison Principal Correctional Officer (PCO), Elvis Nyathi said despite a successful family week, there was a noticeable drop in the number of visitors compared to the previous year.
He attributed this decline to the prevailing drought, which has strained many families.
“From Monday to Friday, we had a few visitors but the numbers went up over the weekend, especially on Sunday. To cater to those who didn’t receive any visitors, we reached out to various institutions and we got a response from Harvest House International Church,” said PCO Nyathi.
He emphasised the importance of family week in the rehabilitation process.
“The presence of relatives and community members gives hope to inmates and makes them feel appreciated and loved despite the offences they committed,” he said, urging families to continue supporting their incarcerated loved ones. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter