Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GWANDA- Tshitaudze legislator, Cde Fisani Moyo brought smiles to inmates at Gwanda Prisons and patients admitted to Gwanda Provincial Hospital when he donated groceries to the two institutions.
One of the beneficiaries at Gwanda Prison, Roice Ndlovu commended the MP for his gesture.
“We thank the Honourable MP for coming here to visit us and bringing us groceries as a gift. It gives us honour and recognition to see our representative in Parliament coming here to listen to our concerns,” he said.
“It gives us hope that some of the challenges that we are facing will be addressed. I request that you engage the courts because they usually delay the bail application process. Speeding up the bail process will help to address the issue of overcrowding in prisons.”
Another inmate, Brighton Nkomo said it is important for community leaders to come up with projects for prisoners upon their release.
“It might be difficult for one to get back on their feet after being released. The discrimination faced by ex-convicts when they reach the community makes it difficult for them to get employment,” he said.
Nkomo said they have gained vast knowledge and skills during their stay in prison which can help them to sustain their families.
“We have acquired vast knowledge and skills during our stay in prison and we wish to put this knowledge to good use once we are released. It, however, might be a challenge due to the stigma and discrimination that ex-convicts face upon being released as most people don’t want to employ someone with a criminal record,” he said.
“It also becomes difficult to get capital to start your own business venture when you are coming from prison. We therefore need assistance to embark on income-generating projects. The assistance could be in the form of specific projects or finances.”
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Gwanda Prison, Cde Moyo said he will assist inmates who have outstanding bail payments.
He said it is important for inmates to be remembered especially during the season of giving as they are also members of the community.
“The prison is within my constituency and as a local MP, it’s important for me to ensure that people in my area are merry during this festive season. The inmates shared their grievances and concerns and one of the issues that came out is overcrowding,” said Cde Moyo.
“I will work tirelessly to ensure that these concerns are addressed. Some inmates were granted bail, but they are still in prison as they can’t raise the money. My office will request the details of such inmates and I will help them to pay their arrears.”
Cde Moyo urged the inmates to use their time in prison to recollect their actions and strive to become better people.
He urged the inmates to contribute to the development of the country once they are released.
The officer in charge of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) in Gwanda, Superintendent Ishmael Madzimbamuto said the donation will go a long in addressing the plight of their inmates.
Gwanda Provincial Hospital’s acting medical superintendent, Dr Mthandazo Mabhanga said the donation will help cheer up the patients.
“As a hospital, we make it a point that we prepare something special for our patients on Christmas Day. Sometimes financial challenges hinder us and therefore, this donation has come in handy. We urge other institutions and individuals to emulate this gesture,” he said.
@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter