Online Reporter
Givemore Muzariri
JAILED for striking a man with a machete during a fatal dispute, Dither Chigondo (31) is now using his time behind bars to warn others about the devastating consequences of violence. Currently serving an 18-year sentence for murder at Khami Remand Prison, Chigondo has urged members of the public to reject violence, emphasising that it can destroy lives — both of the victim and the perpetrator.
He shared his reflections in April during the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), where his prison gospel group, Holly Stars, performed at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) exhibition stand.
Chigondo’s journey to prison began with a deadly altercation over gold ore. What started as a disagreement with his mining partner escalated into a violent confrontation.
“During the fight, I realised my partner was armed with a knife. In self-defence, I struck him twice with a machete.
He was rushed to hospital, but sadly, he died on arrival due to excessive bleeding,” he recalled.
Unable to flee the scene due to threats from witnesses, Chigondo was arrested on the spot. Police officers arrived, handcuffed him, and took statements before placing him in custody to await trial.
“While in custody, many people came just to confirm I’d been arrested. Some even celebrated, saying I had finally been caught after years of terrorising innocent people,” he said.
At court, the magistrate made it clear that machete gangs were a growing national concern. Chigondo’s case would be used as a warning to others. After a full trial, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison — a verdict that sent shockwaves through the gold panning community.
“At first, I couldn’t believe it. While still trying to come to terms with the sentence, I was transferred from Whawha Prison to Khami Maximum Prison for my safety,” he said.
It was at Khami that Chigondo met Innocent Gwawuya, a fellow inmate from his hometown who led a gospel group called Holly Stars. Gwawuya encouraged him to join the group as a way to cope with prison life.
“That’s when I discovered I had a talent for singing. I could lead songs with ease,” Chigondo said.
He sang with Holly Stars for two years. When Gwawuya was released under a presidential amnesty, he passed the leadership of the group — established 15 years ago — to Chigondo. Though the transition was challenging, support from fellow members helped him settle into the role. Before long, they were composing and performing new songs.
“Life in prison hasn’t been easy — especially with such a long sentence. But rehabilitation programmes have helped me move past many of my issues. Gwawuya told me to keep leading the group, a responsibility passed down by inmates who had completed their terms long ago,” he said.
Chigondo believes that performing at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair was a major step forward for the group.
“The opportunity gave us the exposure we needed. Our main goal now is to record an album from within Khami Maximum Prison,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, for allowing him to perform at such a prestigious event despite being a D-class prisoner.
“This shows how serious ZPCS is about rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for successful reintegration into society,” he said.
