Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE Officer in Charge of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, Rehabilitation Section, Commissioner Christmas Tarwira, has told H-Metro that inmates sentenced to life imprisonment were now allowed to interact with the community as part of their reintegration and rehabilitation processes.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service inmates, who participated in the tournament, were Leo Matibe, a former death row prisoner, Gwinyai Ziyengwa, Nicholas Dhamota, Anywhere Madhala whole females were represented by Tendayi Muskwe, Irene Machingura, Rejoice Mandishona and Nyaradzai Mukahanana.
“This Continental Online Chess Championship for inmates is part of the rehabilitation process,” said Comm Tarirwa.
“Before this tournament, the inmates who included those classified in D classes, also participated in the Inter-Continental Online Chess Tournament Championship competitions and Zimbabwe got second position.
“In Africa we are number one and today our two teams— comprising female and male players—are participating.
“Some of these players are expected to participate in another tournament to be held in Bulawayo and it will include those who are not inmates.
“Hence, these inmates on life sentences will be able to interact with the community as the ZPCS gears for the parole system,” said Comm Tarirwa.
Senior prison officers and Zimbabwe Chess Federation Social Chess director, Cosmas Dongo, followed the tournament behind the big walls.
Bongani Ndlovu