Convicted Bishop fears mistake

Arron Nyamayaro recently in Connemara Open Prison

A convicted Mazowe man had to cut his 14- days home leave granted to Connemara Open Prison inmates before Christmas as he feared temptation of committing other crimes.

Bishop Chinanga, 44, of Mazowe Citrus Estate told H-Metro that his early return to the place of incarceration was to avoid unfortunate events which could occur when he was about to finish his term.

“I decided to return earlier than the deadline to avoid mishaps that could arise on the last day and risk being counted among notorious inmates,” said Chinanga.

“My family and neighbours thought that I had escaped prison since most of our neighbours do not understand how open prisons operate. Because of such misunderstanding in the community I kept guessing what the community was saying when reports of my presence in the society circulated.

“I enjoyed being with my family and took time to explain the goodness of open prisons which Ithey were not aware of,” said Chinanga.

Chinanga said he was taken to Chikurubi Maximum Prison on his conviction, transferred to Harare Central and later to Mutimurefu Prison where he spent one year seven months before returning to Harare Central Prison.

From Harare Central he was transferred to Chikurubi Farm Prison where he was interviewed and met requirements needed for one to be taken to Connemara Open Prison.

Chinanga was convicted in 2015 for transmitting HIV and sentenced to 10 years in prison.