Prisoners graduate

Abigail Mawonde Herald Reporter
Thirty-two prisoners graduated with Diplomas in Church Leadership amid calls by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services for non-governmental organisations to help in the rehabilitation of offenders.
The prisoners graduated last Friday in Harare at an event held at the Reformed Church of Zimbabwe premises.

The prisoners from Harare Central and Mutoko prisons studied through correspondence with the Nehemiah Bible Institute.

In their testimonies, the prisoners said they were now conscious that crime “does not pay.”

David Solomon, an inmate from Harare Central Prisons, said the programme greatly transformed him.

“I decided to join this group when I heard about this programme. I received Christ in prison. The programme was very helpful as it positively transformed my life,” said Solomon.

Another inmate, Joseph Madziva, said the course enlightened him.

Harare Central Prison resident chaplain Mr Benson Mhaka, said the graduation showed a change in attitudes by the prisoners.

“We are delighted because sometimes society thinks negatively when one is imprisoned. There is stigma associated with prisoners and so by this graduation, it has proven that from prison, God can mould people,” he said.

ZPCS Chief Superintendent Morgan Dewa urged other organisations to help in the rehabilitation of prisoners.

“We also encourage other stakeholders such as churches to come and also minister in the prisons.

“This helps the inmates when they get out especially on their rehabilitation and re-integration back to society,” he said.