Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), in partnership with the Greater Grace Bible College and its former students, has intensified inmate rehabilitation efforts at Khami Prison through the provision of theology courses.
On Friday, the college hosted its first graduation ceremony at Khami Prison, where 52 inmates and three prison officers completed a six-month theology programme.
Among the graduates was Rodney Jindu, who is serving a double life sentence for murder, highlighting the programme’s focus on spiritual renewal and personal transformation regardless of sentence length.
The theology course is offered by Teach Every Nation, a Bible training organisation, and has been running at Khami Prison since last year. Lessons are conducted fortnightly, with each session lasting four hours.
Greater Grace Bible College principal, Pastor Godfrey Thulani Chigumbura, expressed gratitude to ZPCS for opening its doors to the initiative.
“We thank the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for allowing us to come and conduct lessons here. For inmates to graduate, they must complete assignments, write in-class tests and sit for final examinations,” he said.
“Beyond academic work, we also assess character, commitment and evidence of positive change in the lives of the learners.”
One of the programme’s lecturers, Mr Mubaiwa William Magwende, said the courses help inmates develop a deeper understanding of Christianity and empower them to minister to fellow inmates.
“This is not an easy ministry, but it is rewarding. We are grateful to donors who supported the programme by providing Bibles, books and stationery,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge of Khami Remand Prison, Chief Superintendent Fortune Ngwenya, acknowledged that rehabilitation requires collaboration beyond the prison system.
“It is not easy to rehabilitate inmates on our own. We thank God for partners like Greater Grace Bible College, who assist us in this important work. Our doors remain open for such initiatives,” he said.
Dumisani Nkomo, founder of Jesus Behind Bars and a former student of Greater Grace Bible College, said the programme is already yielding positive results.
“This initiative is changing lives. We hope such programmes continue to support inmates on their rehabilitation journey,” he said.
Bulawayo-based award-winning gospel musician Margaret Mwamuka, popularly known as Mai Mwamuka, who attended the graduation ceremony, also lauded the initiative.
“This is a good initiative being carried out by the Greater Grace Bible College and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service. Witnessing so many inmates graduate gives hope.
“It shows that transformation is possible and that these men and women can change their lives for the better,” she said.
The programme forms part of broader efforts by ZPCS and its partners to promote rehabilitation, moral reform and reintegration of inmates into society.
