Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Tanaka Nkala
Key emergency teams have been deployed to swiftly attend to and ensure speedy repairs of damaged infrastructure at Khami Prison complex after a heavy storm on Monday afternoon.
The Medium Security Prison and a perimeter fence measuring about 160 metres were also damaged when a heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds that lasted several hours, hit the country’s second-largest prison.
“All the inmates are safe and accounted for. When the situation unfolded, the inmates were in the yard scattered all over the place, going about their usual routines and activities, but they remained calm and moved to safer buildings as guided by the officers,” said Asst Comm Mthembu.
She hailed the swift response by prison officers for bringing the situation under control while promptly moving affected inmates to other buildings, ensuring their safety.
“The way the inmates handled the situation by ensuring that they are safe is a testament to our rehabilitation programmes at ZPSC, where we instil discipline and responsibility in the inmates to always make the right decisions.
“When we talk about rehabilitation, we are saying a person must take responsibility for their actions, and the inmates really showed us that they are responsible adults.”
Ass Comm Mthembu applauded the swift response of the Matabeleland North Civil Protection Unit. By yesterday afternoon, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade was already on the ground assessing the damage as well as putting up temporary canvas patches on the homes of prison officers that were also damaged.
“The damage affected three blocks that house six cells for inmates as well as a perimeter fence that is already being erected back into place.
“The CPU has been of great assistance, and their efforts in working around the clock are well appreciated,” she said.
Khami Prison Complex, situated on the outskirts of Bulawayo, consists of the Maximum Security Prison, Medium Security Prison, and Remand Prison, as well as Mlondozi, which houses female inmates and mentally challenged patients.
Yesterday, employees from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works were taking measurements of the damaged roof, paving the way for quick repairs. Under the supervision of ZPSC officers, inmates were digging holes to erect the damaged perimeter wall’s concrete poles back into place.
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