Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru– The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS)’s momentous family reunion week programme has been described as a key therapy to inmates as it constitutes an important role in the reintegration process of inmates when they return to society.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event which saw the community visiting inmates incarcerated for various criminal offences at Whawha Prisons last Saturday, Whawha Rehabilitation Officer, Assistant Principal Correctional Officer, Tamuka Davira said the rehabilitation exercises offered by the institution are focused on correcting the mindset.
He added that, the family was important in debunking the myths associated with incarceration.
“As we have been conducting the family week, its importance lies on the aspect of rehabilitation as rehabilitation focuses on the mindset. So the various activities, courses and projects we offer inmates while inside are meant to impart skills so that when they go out, they carry something with him. Some come to prison without nothing but when they leave they go with degrees and diplomas. So we would love to continue working with the community, stakeholders in coming up with more initiatives to help the inmates.
“During this family week and those to come, we keep on encouraging the family as an institution to come forward and see their loved ones because reunion help inmates to feel loved and accepted. It also helps our brothers and sisters to release pressures and stress they have. One may say committed a crime to my family and to the state but it also starts with the family to reconcile with the inmate. If the family does not accept the inmate, then it will become difficult for the community. So we urge families to come and visit their loved ones,” he said.
He further said imprisonment was not a punishment but a corrective measure.
“Let me hasten to say imprisonment is not a punishment, it’s a corrective measure. That is why we are working with various players in rehabilitating our fellow brothers and sisters. As they go out, the community needs them and they need it,” Davira added.
An inmate at Whawha prison, Simon Dhemba from Kwekwe urged the community to respect the law saying it was always good to be a law abiding citizen.
Dhemba who used to farm in the communal lands of Kwekwe in Mbizo said he missed the good times of producing for his family and nation as he used to produce and sell to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
“I just want to share a word or two with my fellow countryman, let’s be law abiding citizens and shun all elements of criminality. If you do not have anything, do not steal. Rather look for piece jobs and work, do not offend your brother or sister or be involved in any form of crime.
“I am a farmer. I used to grow maize a lot at my plot in Kwekwe supplying some to the GMB. Ever since I was incarcerated for the past six years, I have never enjoyed the fruits of the soil. It is my humble prayer that when released in 2024, I will go back to my land and start production. I have an uncle of mine in Kwekwe I was staying with and appeal to him to pay me a visit,” Dhemba said.
Another inmate who identified himself as Moses Mlala appealed to his sister for reconciliation saying it was time to bury the hatchet.
“I am glad we had a family week, though I didnt get any visitor but I know the exercise was good for us all as we get time to reunite with our loved ones. I just want to apologize to my sister her name is Nothabo Mlala she is in Lupane in the new stands area. Ever since I was arrested, she never visited me and am appealing to her to come and see me.
“I know we have had a rough past but want us to reconcile as a family. My grandmother used to come to see me but she is old and cannot see. So am appealing to my sister to come and see me here at Whawha medium,” Mlala said.
Meanwhile Childline Zimbabwe one of the stakeholders working with ZPCS recently urged inmates to be reintegration ambassadors when they leave prison.
