Clayton Shereni
MASVINGO –
Though correctional facilities in the country have come up with measures to
limit prison visits to outsiders as a preventive measure against the novel
coronavirus, the pandemic seems to have found its way into the ‘over crowded’
Mutimurefu prison cells where latest tests show that 78 inmates have tested
positive to Covid-19.
Masvingo
provincial Covid-19 taskforce spokesperson, Rodgers Irimayi, said contrary to
some claims that 110 inmates at Mutimurefu prison had tested positive to the
virus, only 78 cases had been recorded with isolation procedures having been
put in place to curb the spread.
“So
far recorded positive cases at Mutimurefu prison stand at 78 only as at January
27. I don’t know where the inflated figures are coming from. There are reports
that 110 inmates had tested positive to Covid-19 but that is not true.
“I
even called officials at Mutimurefu today (January 27) and the cases haven’t
increased. The 78 are all inmates and they are isolating with the help of
prison health officers,” said Irimayi.
Zimbabwe
Prisons Correctional Services (ZPCS) Masvingo Public Relations Officer,
Stanslous Sanike said there are cells specifically designated for inmates who
test positive to the virus.
“We
have tested quite a number of inmates and those that have tested positive are
isolating and being treated as per symptom in cells which have been
specifically reserved for Covid-19 cases.
“In
Chiredzi we also have an isolation centre for inmates who test positive,” said
Sanike.
Commenting
on the issue of dealing with severe cases and overcrowded cells, Sanike said
they work in liaison with health officials but declined to reveal the total
number of inmates citing security reasons.
“If
we record a severe case we will always liaise with hospitals through the
Provincial Medical Director (PMD) but we are yet to record a severe case where
a patient needs oxygen support.
“As
for the capacity and the total number of inmates who are currently at
Mutimurefu, I am not authorized to give you the figures for security reasons
but prisoners are not overcrowded in cells,” said Sanike.
Mutimurefu
prison has a capacity of 800 inmates but is reportedly accommodating inmates
who surpass its carrying capacity.
