Online Reporter
Stephen Mpofu, Perspective
THUMBS up to a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people for granting prisoners the right to receive visits from their children — a move that the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, along with this communicologist, believes will have a positive impact on reforming the character of inmates.
Imprisonment is intended to be corrective in nature, particularly in terms of character development, except for those on capital punishment who are incarcerated while awaiting execution.
Accordingly, a spokesperson for the country’s human rights commission recently commended the Government during a presentation on a local radio station for allowing children to visit their mothers and other relatives in prison.
The love reflected in the eyes of these young visitors, she noted, undoubtedly serves as a catalyst for reform among incarcerated parents.
However, the spokesperson expressed concern over the high fees for children’s passports, which currently stand at US$150 for an ordinary passport and US$250 for an emergency one — the same rates charged for adults.
Implicit in the commission’s remarks is a call for the authorities to review these fees, especially considering the age and dependency of the children who require these travel documents.
No immediate comment was available from the relevant authorities on whether the passport fees for children would be revised, particularly since minors typically travel under the care of parents or guardians.
The spokesperson also voiced strong criticism of noise pollution caused by musical bands performing in residential areas, which disrupts the peace of residents — some of whom may be engaged in activities that require quiet and concentration.
She cited Harare, the capital city, where local authorities appear reluctant to intervene to preserve the peace and tranquillity of residents.
A broader survey would no doubt reveal similar disturbances in other areas, where the presence of loud music and dancing makes residents feel as though they are living in nightclubs or dancehalls.
This situation must clearly be addressed without further delay or unnecessary fuss.
