Shot in arm for inmates

Desire Ncube

AGAPE Family Care, a charity wing of the United Family International Church (UFIC) that was founded by Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa has donated a borehole and groceries worth $15 000 to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Mashonaland region.

UFIC spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufakunesu (right) officially hands over the donated borehole Chikurubi Farm Prison while Deputy Commissioner General Huggins Machingauta (left) and other senior ZPCS officials look on.

Prisoners carrying sugar which was part of the donated groceries.

Chikurubi Female Prisons Choir do what they know best.

Chikurubi farm mananger explains how the borehole operates while dignitaries look on.

Tehillah Worshippers Chikurubi Prison Farm Choir entertains guests at the handover ceremony.

Pastor Prime Kufakunesu praying for an inmate after the donation.

Some of the Chikubi Inmates having a feel of the newly installed borehole.

Inmate Simbarashe Cheza giving the vote of thanks after receiving donations from UFIC's charity wing Agape Family Care. — Inmate Simbarashe Cheza giving the vote of thanks after receiving donations from UFIC’s charity wing Agape Family Care.

The state-of-the art borehole which is valued at $US 15 000 is equipped with a 1.5 horse power submersible pump; a 2.5 horse power booster pump and pipes.

ZPCS Mashonaland region board chairperson, Dr Justice Marwisa who was being represented by Mr Gwatirera Javangwe, said the donation is set to improve rehabilitation services and ensure food security for the inmates.

“Agape family care has come on board timeously with a proper way of assisting with a fishing rod, not a fish.

“These donations are meant to contribute towards changing the lives of our communities,” said Mr Marwisa.
He urged the corporate world, individuals and the public to play a role in the rehabilitation of inmates.

“It is worth noting that the current donation is an effective stimulus towards the participation and entry of all stakeholders into the Zimbabwe correctional landscape,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional service, Higgins Machingauta said the donations are the good fruits of the public private partner policy that his institution has adopted.

“We realise the need to partner with other key stakeholders as a way of lubricating the rehabilitation process.

“ZPCS is part of the community where offenders come from, as a result there is no need to see or treat us as an entity confined in a solitary confinement.

“Inmates come from the community and go back to the same community after the expiry of their custodial sentence. Therefore ZPCS remains attached to the community,” Commissioner Machingauta said.

Speaking on behalf of Prophetess Makandiwa, UFIC spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufa delivered a message of hope to the inmates.