Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
PRISON escape, it turns out, can cost more than serving a life sentence, according to Takura Nyakabawu, a former convict who spent a decade behind bars after attempting to flee.
During a meeting for ex-convicts, stakeholders and current inmates in Harare, Nyakabawu shared his harrowing experiences.
He spoke openly about the treatment of captured escapees within prison walls and the ongoing stigma he faces from the community since completing his sentence.
“In hindsight, I regret my decision to escape,” Nyakabawu said.
“The humiliation I experienced during my incarceration and the lasting mark of a criminal record are burdens greater than I anticipated.”
He emphasised the struggles he faced during his time abroad after being released, urging inmates to finish their sentences rather than succumb to the allure of escape.
“A criminal record is a heavy weight; it costs more than just time,” he stated.
“I have seen many inmates, even those who received life sentences, regain their freedom through amnesty or successful appeals. You are not alone in this journey.”
A former soldier, Nyakabawu reflected on how his past impacted his career, stating that his criminal record thwarted his employment opportunities.
At the moment, he manages a poultry project upon returning from a neighbouring country. A man once full of hope but now a symbol of lost dreams encouraged others to believe in their potential for change.
Another participant, Peter Jacob, recounted his journey from a death sentence in 1998 to life imprisonment, and ultimately release through amnesty in 2020.
His story served as a reminder of the possibilities of redemption and reintegration.
The meeting commenced with remarks from Deputy Commissioner General Granisia Musango, who lauded the gathering as a beacon of hope. “By sharing your journeys — the struggles, setbacks, and victories — you illuminate the path for others preparing to reintegrate into society.
“This meeting is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of transformation and resilience,” she said.
Dep Comm Gen Musango emphasised the importance of community support.
“The true measure of any society is how it treats those who have fallen. You are proof that desistance is possible. Your presence here sends a powerful message to those still confined: Change is not a dream — it is a choice.”
She also extended heartfelt gratitude to stakeholders who support the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, noting that collaboration is key to sustainable transformation.
Commissioner Christmas Tarwira also spoke about the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service’s evolution from a custodial institution to a rehabilitative one.
“Today’s gathering signifies our commitment to innovative, evidence-based interventions that prioritise human transformation,” he said, referencing Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory.
“Former inmates serve as role models, demonstrating positive behaviour and resilience.”
Reverend Rephat Nyarenda, a leader from the River of Life church, called on religious institutions to play a vital role in the healing and reintegration of former inmates.
“The church must foster peace and support these individuals to reclaim their lives through self-help projects, enabling them to become employers rather than job seekers,” said Rev Nyarenda.
Ultimately, the stories shared at this meeting reminded that change is not only possible, but can be supported through community engagement and compassion.
Together, they highlight the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of second chances.
