Online Reporter
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
JIMMY Mumpande, a former death row inmate whose sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2017, clings to the hope of one day walking free. Convicted of a brutal murder in 2007, a crime committed in 2002 that he now deeply regrets, the 46-year-old readily admits his lack of education played a significant role. Now serving his time at Khami Maximum Prison, Mumpande has turned to education, convinced it’s the path to eventual release.
He has spent half his life behind bars, including over a decade in solitary confinement awaiting execution.
Zimbabwe’s landmark abolition of the death penalty last year, with death row inmates facing resentencing, has further fuelled Mumpande’s hope.
“Looking back, I realise my crime stemmed from a lack of education and knowledge. I murdered someone in 2002 and have been in prison for 23 years. I’ve served 19 years. I think I’m one of the prisoners serving life imprisonment who has spent many years here. Many now look to me, believing my release would open doors for others.”
Before Khami, he was held at Chikurubi and Harare Maximum Prisons, spending time in solitary confinement before his sentence was commuted. Upon resentencing, Mumpande committed himself to education. After nearly eight years, he has finally achieved four Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level passes in the 2024 exams.
“I started from Form One, having only completed Grade Seven, as my parents couldn’t afford further education. I realised education could help me if I’m ever released. I registered for exams in 2022, but illness and a three-month hospital stay prevented me from sitting for the exams. In 2023, I took Principles of Account but failed with a D, which was devastating.”
Last year, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) paid his exam fees, enabling him to take five subjects. He passed Geography, Principles of Accounts, Business and Enterprising Skills, and Economics, all with C grades.
“In June, I’m retaking English, and in November, I’ll sit Mathematics and Combined Science. My situation has inspired me. I wouldn’t be here if I’d had an education. I’ve also completed several courses, including Bible Studies — I can now preach and even convert hardened criminals. I also did a peace studies course, showing I’m progressing even behind bars,” he said.
Through his peace studies, Mumpande now counsels other inmates. While his release isn’t imminent, he remains hopeful. He urges communities to support released prisoners, believing that a lack of support contributes to recidivism. He said prison has become a refuge for some criminals.
“Everything is in God’s hands. He knows his plans. I haven’t lost hope just because I’m serving a life sentence. Joseph was imprisoned and God protected him and raised him up. I often wonder, if that happened to someone else, why not me? I’ve noticed that released inmates often return,” he said.
The ZPCS encourages inmates’ rehabilitation through various programmes, including academic pursuits and craftwork. Khami Maximum Prison achieved an impressive 91,3% pass rate in the 2024 Ordinary Level exams.–@nqotshili
