Early Christmas presents for inmates

Dennis Chimanzi

DECEMBER 21 was a day to remember for female inmates at the Chikurubi Maximum Prison, who were not only showered with goodies but also entertained by the jail authorities.

A party for the inmates was organised by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), in partnership with Nyaradzo Group and Siboniwe Foundation Trust, which assists the underprivileged in the community.

The event started early in the morning, with the ZPCS Band providing entertainment.

Some of the prisoners put up spirited performances and charmed Siboniwe Foundation’s Dr Ophelia Moyo.

Dr Moyo ended up giving cash to the outstanding performers.

Chikurubi Female Prison officer-in-charge Superintendent Mervis Dzimbanhete said such parties are important, as they give inmates the opportunity to interact with their friends and relatives who are out of prison.

“The festive season is a time for people to wine, dine and make merry. As ZPCS, we use such occasions as these ones to unite families and bring hope to the neglected and hopeless,” Supt Dzimbanhete said.

He said neglected inmates can develop mental health problems.

“Inmates face stigma and rejection, which sometimes breed mental health problems. To arrest such problems, there is need for us to have such events on a regular basis.”

Irene Chiwashira, an inmate, was all smiles as she danced the afternoon away.

“I was convicted of murder in 2017 and sentenced to 15 years in jail. Not a single relative visited me in the past five years that I have been in prison. This party is very important for neglected inmates like me,” Chiwashira said.

Another inmate, Sandra Phiri, echoed the same sentiments.

“I have been here for the past six months and I am yet to be tried for armed robbery. We are not allowed to become intimate with our husbands and there are no recreational services here.

“We are always stressed. This party relieved me of the stress and anxiety,” Phiri said.

The Chikurubi Female Prison has a total of 237 inmates and 17 children.

Of the 237 inmates, 20 are mentally challenged, while four are pregnant.