Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
INMATES at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison are appealing for more space at the complex, saying this will ease overcrowding.
They also claim there are unnecessary delays in the hearing of their appeals.
The inmates spoke at a ceremony where the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) donated winter wear and groceries to the prisoners.
Njabulo Gumbo, speaking on behalf of the inmates, said the issues affecting prisoners must be prioritised by the authorities in charge of prisons.
Gumbo said he was representing about 3,301 inmates held at the prison, as of yesterday afternoon.
“On behalf of the inmates, we would like to thank the gesture shown by the Law Society of Zimbabwe in remembering us by donating food and jerseys,” he said.
“It is our prayer to see our applications being responded to on time.
“Allow us to also raise the issue of overcrowding at this prison, if only the judiciary and prison authorities could consider constructing maximum security prisons in all provinces.”
Deputy Judge President, Justice Garainesu Mawadze, Justice Esther Muremba, LSZ president Lison Ncube and his deputy, Councillor Rachel Chibaya, as well as Deputy Prosecutor-General Nelson Mutsonziwa, were present.
Justice Mawadze told inmates that the judiciary had already received their concerns and promised that judges would visit the prison to respond to their grievances.
“Today, we have come as witnesses of the donation from the Law Society of Zimbabwe.
“We have also come to meet you and see how you are living, hence, your concerns have reached our offices and we will be visiting you shortly to address them,” Justice Mawadze said.
LSZ president Ncube said overcrowding and other challenges remain serious concerns.
Ncube said the LSZ does not only support inmates during court representation but also through efforts that demonstrate the principle that human dignity does not end at prison gates.
He cited constitutional obligations, which guarantee the rights of inmates, saying detention conditions must be consistent with human dignity, including adequate accommodation, nutrition and clothing.
Ncube said the winter wear was also provided under the LSZ President’s Charity Fund, while groceries were donated through the Juveniles in Correctional Facilities Support Programme.
ZPCS Acting Officer Commanding the Harare Metropolitan Province, Assistant Commissioner Alexious Chacha, said the donation comes at a time when winter presents significant challenges for inmates.
“The donation will go a long way in improving the comfort, health and dignity of inmates, particularly those at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, where the need has been assessed to be greatest,” said Chacha.
“Such noble partnerships complement Government efforts by demonstrating compassion and reinforcing the principle that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and humanity,” Chacha said.
These people must be reminded that they are felons who destroyed innocent lives out here. They cannot ask for any reprieve or better living conditions when their actions created misery for the innocent and destroyed lives. Victims don’t get compensated. Nobody follows up to check how they are coping. Nobody brings them jerseys and blankets during winter. Nobody provides them with food and shelter. The system rewards criminals. LSZ has never visited victims. These low lives made their beds and must sleep on them, period!