Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE father of inmate Robert Zivengwa, who was allowed to leave custody to attend his graduation at the University of Zimbabwe, says his son was dragged into crime by rogue friends.
He has hailed the Government for shifting prisons from punishment to correctional facilities.
Isaac Chirongamabwe Zivengwa, 66, is the father of Robert Zivengwa, the man who made headlines after being temporarily released from prison to attend his graduation ceremony at the UZ.
Robert is in prison for unlawful entry into a house.
“I have come to understand where my son, Robert, went wrong,” said Isaac.
“He was influenced by friends into criminal activities after departing from his faith.”
He said Robert used to be very religious.
“I want to thank the Government for moving our prisons from punitive to correctional facilities and these are the results,” he said.
He praised the ZPCS leadership, especially ZPCS Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu, for allowing his son to continue with his studies while still serving his sentence.
“Commissioner General Moses Ngavaite Chihobvu, through the Officer In Charge of Harare Central Prison, allowed my son to continue with his studies behind bars and he went on to graduate under guard,” said Isaac.
The father said the development was unprecedented, adding that during the liberation struggle, inmates were not allowed to pursue education
“This is new in Zimbabwe.
“Prisons were too hostile, they were places of death, not life.
“Today, I can feel the correctional aspect.”
He narrated how Robert achieved good academic results from Form One to Form Six at Rusitu High School before enrolling at the University of Zimbabwe.
Robert, who confirmed that his behaviour has changed through ZPCS rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, said he had been drawn into wrongdoing after losing his faith.
“I was influenced into drinking alcohol at the campus, departed from my faith, and dined with criminals,” said Robert.
“Today I have seen the hand of God. My inner person has been convicted by the Spirit of God and I am looking forward to a better life — focusing on my education and ready to make a change in society and the nation at large.”
After H-Metro published his story, Robert said a number of visitors flocked to the ZPCS exhibition stand to meet and congratulate him.
“I had many visitors after the publication of my story.
“I ate some delicious food, there were many beautiful smiles, congratulations and, of course, some ice cream.
“Ndanzwa nawo.”
