Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro and Obey Musiwa
INMATES at Chikurubi Female Prison received an early Christmas treat from the ZANU PF Women’s League, led by Senator Mabel Chinomona who handed over clothes and toiletries to each of the more than 400 prisoners.
The donation, valued at thousands of United States dollars, included essential items such as sanitary wear, washing soap, fleeces, toothpaste, petroleum jelly and buckets.
Additionally, five sewing machines were provided to support skills development and rehabilitation programmes within the prison.
Sen Chinomona opened her address with warmth and solidarity, greeting inmates as “sisters, mothers, and children.”
She emphasised that the visit was rooted in compassion and reflected President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one behind.
“We acknowledge your strength, resilience and determination. We are here to listen to your stories and to uplift you,” she said.
Sen Chinomona stressed the importance of rehabilitation and personal transformation, noting that the inmates’ past mistakes do not define their futures.
“This is not the end of the world. There is a life waiting for you after incarceration, and we will support you every step of the way,” she said.
She also encouraged the women to engage with available skills programmes to better prepare for reintegration into their families and communities.
Addressing mothers in the facility, Sen Chinomona praised their resilience and urged them to remain hopeful for their children’s futures, expressing concern for the welfare of children living with their incarcerated mothers and pledging to work with authorities to improve their conditions.
The visit included a shared lunch during which League members listened to inmates’ concerns. The mood grew sombre when the delegation visited a sick inmate in the prison clinic, offering prayers and a promise of assistance.
In her remarks, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, ZANU PF Women’s League secretary for administration, reflected on the prevalence of crimes of passion among female inmates.
“It is disheartening to see so many young women behind bars, often as a result of crimes of passion,” she said. “We urge couples to seek mediation through traditional and church leaders to resolve conflicts peacefully.”
Speaking on behalf of fellow inmates, Thandiwe Dube thanked the delegation and appealed to Senator Chinomona to convey their plea for forgiveness and a second chance to President Mnangagwa.
“We are truly sorry for our past mistakes and hope for another chance,” Dube said. Inmate Anesu Mafokoso presented handmade bags crafted by the inmates as Christmas gifts to the visiting delegation.
The visit concluded on a note of shared commitment, with promises of continued support and a renewed sense of hope among the inmates.
Also present were ZANU PF Harare province chairperson Barbara Mwale, external affairs secretary Betty Kaseke, and Tsholotsho South legislator and Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Musa Ncube, among others.
