Online Reporter
Givemore Muzariri
LIFE behind bars at Khami Maximum Prison is a harsh reality for Thabisa Nkala, a 28-year-old inmate whose heart aches for reconciliation with his family. Accused of the deeply distressing crime of raping his sister’s daughter, Thabisa has now made an impassioned plea to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), Bulawayo Metropolitan Province management, hoping for their assistance in bridging the chasm that separates him from his loved ones.
Thabisa’s emotional appeal came to light on the sidelines of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival provincial finals, held recently in Bulawayo’s city centre. It was a rare glimpse of freedom, a moment of reprieve, as his dance group, Amabhubesi Sons of Asegai (ASA), commanded the stage among other talented competitors. But even amid the rhythm and performance, the shadow of his past lingered.
In a sad interview, Thabisa recounted a harrowing tale of alleged injustice, claiming he was falsely accused of rape in 2019. The root of his misfortune, he insists, was a dispute over unpaid wages from a relative who had employed him as a farm worker.
“My problems began in 2019 when my mother’s sister offered me a job on her farm. Since it was a family arrangement, I accepted without hesitation,” he said, his voice tinged with a mix of despair and incredulity.
He worked diligently for two months after being promised a salary of US$300 per month, a significant sum for a family man with responsibilities. Yet, his aunt began to weave a web of excuses, citing delays in money transfers from her children abroad.
“By the second month, the story remained unchanged. I began to sense that my employer was no longer comfortable with my presence, as she would scold me for no apparent reason, accusing me of not doing my job properly,” Thabisa recalled, the frustration evident in his tone.
A chilling realisation soon dawned on him: his aunt had no intention of paying him. This was tragically confirmed by a fellow farm worker who delivered a devastating warning — his aunt was now accusing him of raping one of her granddaughters.
“When I first heard the rumours about the rape allegations, I couldn’t believe it. The farm owner was like a mother to me,” Thabisa stated, the betrayal still raw.
He initially dismissed the rumours, but within a week, the stark reality hit as police officers arrived, accusing him of raping his cousin’s daughter, who also lived on the farm.
“I went to the police station confident that I had committed no crime. However, I soon realised that my aunt wanted me imprisoned for a long time over two months’ unpaid wages,” he asserted, recalling his naive hope.
The legal wheels turned swiftly. A police docket was compiled, and Thabisa was taken to court. Based on the evidence presented, he was sentenced to 17 years in prison, with two years suspended on condition of good behaviour. His world crumbled as he was transferred to Khami Maximum Prison to begin serving his sentence.
“At first, it was very difficult to accept the sentence. But with the support of the correctional officers, I eventually adjusted to the new environment,” he admitted, a sigh escaping him.
In prison, a new path emerged through the rehabilitation programmes offered to inmates. Thabisa chose music and found solace and purpose in the group Amabhubesi Sons of Asegai (ASA).
“With this group, we’ve been invited to various events in Bulawayo to showcase our talent as inmates, which is why we’re participating in this competition today,” he shared, a rare glimmer of pride in his eyes.
Thabisa seized the opportunity to advocate for more such events, urging companies to foster talent and preserve cultural heritage in the face of dominant Western influences. He emphasised that inmates pour their hearts into these competitions, seeing them as a vital platform to display the raw talent hidden behind bars.
“We came to compete in this event, and I can already say we are winners because our goal is to show that prisons are full of untapped talent that deserves exposure. I believe those present today will agree with me,” he said.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the provincial management for granting them this invaluable opportunity, hoping that various groups would use the platform to identify future collaborators.
Having served five years of his sentence, Thabisa’s journey is far from over. Despite his relatives visiting him, the alleged crime remains an unspoken truth, an elephant in the room that prevents any genuine healing. The tension, he confessed, makes it incredibly difficult to envision returning to his family unless the matter is amicably resolved while he is still incarcerated.
“I may be enjoying moments like these in prison, but the crime that brought me here continues to haunt me. I truly need help from the ZPCS to resolve this issue, as these people are the only family I have.
“I believe it would be best if a platform were created for me to share my side of the story, as many people now view me with suspicion,” Thabisa revealed, a profound sadness in his voice.
In a hopeful turn, Chief Correctional Officer Resias Chikwetu, the provincial staffing officer for the rehabilitation section, pledged to look into Thabisa’s plea. He stressed that it was part of his duty to ensure both parties reach common ground before an inmate completes their sentence, paving the way for successful reintegration.
“Let me begin by thanking you for bringing this issue forward. As an office, we will try to reach out to the family so that a dialogue can take place between the two parties,” Chief Chikwetu said reassuringly.
He concluded with a promise of compassion and resolution.
“Our aim is to ensure that both sides find common ground and forgiveness, especially since the inmate’s account differs from the one that led to his imprisonment.”
Will Thabisa Nkala finally find the path to reconciliation and a resolution to the alleged injustice that plagues him? Only time, and the dedicated efforts of the ZPCS, will tell.
