FEMALE INMATES STUCK IN PRISON FOR MORE THAN A YEAR
. . . Trio, including armed robbery suspect, still waiting for conclusion of their cases
THREE female inmates, including an armed robbery suspect, have been languishing in remand prison for more than ONE year awaiting judgments in their cases.
Maidei Nyamukapa, an armed robbery suspect, was among the 74 inmates awaiting their judgments at the Chikurubi Female Prison as of January 2. Faith Kanengoni and Tatenda Yasini have spent more than a year with convicted inmates waiting for judgments in their cases, which are still pending in the courts of law.
Maidei, who is believed to be a daughter of a former police officer, looked passive and frowned to the media as she mingled with other inmates during a function held at the prison recently.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Meya Khanyezi, told H-Metro that some prohibited immigrants, and expecting mothers, are reluctant to mix with other inmates during visits by donors.
“We have inmates who face challenges in mixing with other inmates, especially those who are yet to receive their judgments,” said Chief Supt Khanyezi.
“Among them are prohibited immigrants who hardly receive visitors and are waiting for their transportation back to their respective countries.
“We have also seen this in pregnant inmates as well.
“We continue to encourage people to visit their relatives and friends in various prisons across the country for it helps a lot in their rehabilitation processes and to prepare them for their reintegration back into society,” she said.
The prison, which has a holding capacity of 281 inmates, had a total of 256 inmates on January 2. Of these inmates, 43 were prohibited immigrants awaiting to be repatriated to their respective countries. There were eight expecting mothers and seven babies were accompanying their mothers in prison.
A BUSINESSMAN, who runs a local transport company, has been divorced by his wife of 19 years over allegations of adultery, cruelty, psychological and emotional abuse.
Rumbidzayi Gumbo, nee Gadhula, filed for divorce against Herbert Gumbo and also sought custody and maintenance of their three children aged 12 and 17-year-old twins.
High Court judge, Justice Fatima Maxwell, granted Rumbidzayi a divorce decree and ordered Herbert to pay US$550 per month for child maintenance.
Justice Maxwell also awarded Rumbidzayi two vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner and a Mazda 626, while Herbert got a Nissan Hardbody and a herd of cattle.
Their Iveco bus will be evaluated and proceeds shared equally.
The couple also owns a 66.8877-hectare farm which will be shared equally and Rumbidzayi will get 55 percent of proceeds from a pending case.
Additionally, Rumbidzayi got a property in Mt Pleasant Heights and Mufakose, with Herbert getting properties in Crowhill and Snake Park.
In her declaration, Rumbidzayi said she had suffered psychological and emotional abuse from Herbert.
She said they had been living separately since 2020. Herbert denied the charges stating that he had provided everything expected of a father.
He said he still loved Rumbidzayi, but could not force her to reciprocate the love.