Steer clear of crime
AT LEAST 110 Munashe Private High School learners had the chance of touring two of the country’s prisons on October 27.
We were accompanied by the school’s executive director, Mr Achiford Gwangwadze.
The first port of call was the Chikurubi Female Prison, where we were well-received by the officer-in-charge, Superintendent Gloria Tamanikwa.
Also present was the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service national public relations officer, Chief Superintendent Meya Khanyezi.
They say seeing is believing. The tour was indeed an eye-opener for all learners. It gave us a chance to reflect on a lot of issues pertaining to life.
We had to take stock of our daily routines, as some of the actions we consider normal may see us getting behind bars.
Crime knows no age, creed, nationality or any other attribute one may think of.
Among the female inmates were the young, the old and those who are mentally challenged and getting psychiatric assistance.
The majority of inmates were in pink uniform and they included incarcerated socialite Mai TT. This uniform is for those who would have been convicted and are serving their sentences.
Inmates in green uniform would be waiting for their trial dates. From the gloomy faces we saw, it was clear that this is not a place to be.
At some point, we had to sing for the prisoners to cheer them up. The songs were so touching that some inmates shed tears.
During the visit, we learnt that some women even give birth behind bars. Children born under such circumstances may only get to experience life outside jail at 18 months of age.
They are handed over to concerned relatives of the inmate. However, there will be serious challenges if the prisoner does not have anyone to look after the child.
In such scenarios, the child may be surrendered to the Social Welfare Department.
My greatest takeaway from this tour was that crime does not pay. Yes, these are correctional and rehabilitation centres but the place has an adverse psychological effect. One should just avoid crime.
There are a lot of things you cannot do in jail, which you could ordinarily do outside.
Provisions like sanitary pads and diapers are supplied by Government but demand for these items is always high. Well-wishers, thus, have to chip in.
On the day of our visit, we met officials from a Catholic organisation who were donating some goodies. But I feel what the inmates need most is emotional support, and churches are best-placed to do that. Gospel music, Bible readings and prayers would go a long way in healing these troubled souls.
At the Harare Central Prison (male side), we met former television personality Oscar Pambuka.
Every inmate was in agreement that given a second chance, they would not want to find themselves behind bars again.
Just imagine being locked up in a cell from 3pm until the next morning!
At some point, we used our public address system to play music for the inmates, who reciprocated by displaying their dexterity on the dance floor.
The joy was cut short when it was announced that the inmates had to get back to their cells. I urge all young and elderly people to steer clear of crime. Prisons are not a good place to be. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
◆