Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
FOR many inmates at Gwanda Prison, this year’s family week has become more than a routine visit — it is a rare opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, rebuild relationships and share precious moments with their children.
One of the inmates, Nkanyiso Ndlovu (34), who has spent two years on remand facing a murder charge, said the highlight of the visit was spending time with his seven-year-old and one-year-10-month-old children.
“I was imprisoned when my wife was pregnant with our second child. Soon after the baby was born, she came to show me in prison. This is the second time I’ve seen my second-born after over a year.
“It really hurts me that my child is growing up, but she doesn’t even recognise me,” he said.
Ndlovu said sharing a meal with his children, mother and siblings gave him comfort and renewed hope.
His mother, Mrs Lucy Ndlovu, who is caring for the children, said family week is important for maintaining family bonds.
“The eldest child keeps asking about her father and today I’m glad they spent the day together. It is important for these children to know their father and for him to see them,” she said.
Another inmate, Anchors Tsumbeni (22), also described the visit as emotional after meeting his two-month-old daughter for the first time since his arrest.
Tsumbeni, who is on remand facing an attempted murder charge, said holding his baby felt like a dream.
“It really warmed my heart and brought me joy to have my family come here and spend the day with me. I was able to hold my baby in my arms. Hearing her cry and seeing her mother breastfeed her made me feel like I was home,” he said.
His wife, Ms Ropafadzo Zhou, said the visit allowed them to talk at length for the first time since his arrest two months ago and also discuss family challenges.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services is running the family week programme nationwide from Monday to Sunday, allowing inmates to receive relatives daily between 9 AM and 3 PM. Children are also allowed during the family week. Deputy officer in charge of Gwanda Prison, Chief Correctional Officer Orwell Zimondi, said the programme had started strongly, with many families taking advantage of the Easter Monday holiday to visit.
“This is a very important week for us as inmates get to meet relatives in a relaxed environment, different from normal daily visits. It is a time to strengthen social bonds and catch up,” he said.
Chief Correctional Officer Zimondi said some children had brought school reports to show their incarcerated parents, reflecting the emotional value of the initiative.
“We encourage those who have not yet visited to come, because this week is for families and the wider community,” he said
—@DubeMatutu
