Online Reporter
Givemore Muzariri
REASON Nkala, a 26-year-old inmate serving a 12-year sentence for robbery, has issued a stark warning to young people: steer clear of drug and substance abuse.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Chibuku Neshamwari Bulawayo provincial competitions recently, where his prison-based cultural troupe participated, Nkala emphasised how such habits can directly lead to criminal behaviour while under the influence.
In a candid interview, Nkala recounted the events leading to his incarceration in 2022. He was convicted of a robbery committed with friends, a crime he attributes directly to alcohol intoxication.
On that fateful day, Nkala and his group terrorised gold panners in the Filabusi area, robbing a gold buyer of US$300 and brazenly looting alcohol from vendors and villagers.
“I joined the gold panning industry as a young boy, and we were told that violence was necessary to survive. That mindset turned me into someone who resolved every conflict with aggression, to the point where I no longer valued human life,” he said.
Nkala detailed how, after a day of mining, his group went to a local bar for drinks. A dispute erupted between one of his teammates and a member of another crew, quickly escalating into a violent brawl.
“We fought for over two hours. Our opponents eventually fled into the community, searching for weapons and hiding places.
We pursued them, putting villagers’ property at risk,” he recalled.
As the conflict spilled into the community, Nkala’s group began breaking into homes in search of their adversaries. In the ensuing chaos, some members looted alcohol and stole money from gold buyers present in the area.
“After the looting, we walked back towards our village, drinking the stolen beer. We became so intoxicated that we decided to sleep in the bush.
Meanwhile, affected community members tracked us using our footprints,” he said.
Nkala described how his group, exhausted and injured, was eventually located by villagers with the help of dogs.
“They knew some of us and managed to disarm us while we were asleep.
We were taken to the police station, where we were charged with robbery and assault.”
Following a full trial, Nkala and his crew were found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison. They were subsequently transferred to Khami Maximum Prison to serve their terms.
“When the sentence was handed down, I thought it was harsh. But after seeing the evidence of destruction, I realised it was justified. If we had been sober, I doubt we would have committed such a crime.
That’s why I urge young people to avoid drugs and alcohol,” Nkala admitted.
Nkala has since vowed never to drink again, stressing that he has no memory of the events of that night and only learned of them through others.
Upon arrival at Khami, he was informed that prison is a place for rehabilitation, with various programmes available, including bricklaying, welding, carpentry, upholstery, and motor mechanics.
“I chose music as my rehabilitation path because it’s therapeutic.
I joined Amabhubesi Sons of Asegai (ASA), an Imbube group that also performs traditional dance. We’re competing in this event and have been invited to several others.
The exposure is helping us build a future in the music industry.”
Nkala expressed deep gratitude to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) for allowing inmates to participate in public events, giving communities invaluable insight into life behind bars.
“I have also started studying motor mechanics. Back home, there are few mechanics, so this skill will change my life.
Prisons are now empowerment centres, and I urge the Government to support us with resources for training.”
Nkala concluded by appealing to community stakeholders to partner with ZPCS in helping inmates rebuild their lives.
“Our goal is to contribute to Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming a middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
