Shot in arm for Manicaland prisons

DUE to its proximity to the Forbes Border Post, Mutare is increasingly becoming a getaway fo illegal migrants, the International Institute for Development Facilitator (IIDF) has said.

Speaking while handing over donations worth US$10 000 to Mutare Remand Prison recently, IIDF director, Mr Christian Mataruka said most of these illegal migrants end up in local prisons.

Mr Mataruka said due to this, the province’s prisons are now congested, thereby putting the health of inmates at risk, especially as Covid-19 rears its ugly head.

Against this backdrop, IIDF decided to partner the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in supporting Manicaland prisons’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The gesture is meant to improve health service delivery in the country’s correctional services department. Incarceration should not deprive a person of his or her rights to health and other entitlements.

“IIDF desires to develop a long-lasting partnership with Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS),” said Mr Mataruka.

He further stated that IIDF is prepared to play a part in skills development for inmates in preparation for their re-integration into society after serving their sentences.

“IIDF focuses on humane migration and capacity building. This donation will help in the health service delivery for both inmates from Zimbabwe and migrants,” he said.

The donated items included 600 boxes of surgical masks, 300 litres of hand sanitiser, 135 hard brooms, 20 knapsack sprays, dish washing liquids, buckets, bins and hydrogen peroxide.

Receiving the donation, Officer Commanding ZPCS in Manicaland Province, Commissioner Spetosomusa Moyo-Chinobva said she was humbled by IIDF and IOM’s good gesture.

“As Manicaland Province, we are so blessed to have friends who remember us in difficult times. The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated many institutions the world over, but as ZPCS Manicaland we have remained standing. We did not register any loss of life as a result of Covid19,” she said.

Commissioner Moyo-Chinobva said through the donation, Mutare Remand Prison is guaranteed of a successful fight against the virus.

— Picture: Tinai Nyadzayo Zanu Mutare District Women’s Affairs chairlady Cde Lorraine Mukodza (extreme PF right) and Ward 11 chairlady Cde Charity Chirara (third from left, front row) hands over Pfumvudza vegetable seeds and fertilizers to Mutare vendors on Monday.