By Farai Chikore
CHINHOYI – THE Government needs to support prison reform initiatives and partner with voluntary local organisations advocating for restorative justice.
This was said during the commemoration of this year’s Prison Day, held at Chinhoyi Stadium last week.
The event, held under the theme: “Rehabilitation, a collective responsibility,” brought together former prisoners, human rights advocates, community leaders, and Government officials.
Despite poor attendance, the event highlighted the need for improved prison conditions, increased funding for rehabilitation programmes, and a review of sentencing policies.
Speakers called for the prioritisation of rehabilitation over punishment, with a former prisoner-turned-advocate, Kelvin Zulu, stressing that everyone deserved a second chance.
Survivors shared powerful testimonies, including an ex-convict who credited prison with turning his life around and who is now a successful tobacco farmer.
Community leaders encouraged the Government to improve prison conditions, increase funding for rehabilitation programmes and also to review sentencing policies.
Residents were urged to support prison reform initiatives, volunteer with local organisations and advocate for restorative justice.
Conviction is not the end of the life but one can even enjoy better life after serving prison sentence. Former South African president Nelson Mandela served 27 years at Robben Island but later become the African icon when he ended the apartheid ruling in 1994.
In Zimbabwe several freedom fighters served terms as prisoners before the country won independence in 1980.
Meanwhile, Chinhoyi Stars Football Club played a friendly match with Chinhoyi prison inmates as part of the entertainment programme during the commemorations and the game ended 2-0 in favour of the “happy people”.
The team coach, Clayton Mudekwa, and team manager Never Maruta also played the game for 45 minutes each second and first half respectively.
Overally, the Prison Day commemorations in Mashonaland West Province emphasised the need for collective responsibility in rehabilitation and reintegration, and the importance of supporting initiatives that promote restorative justice.
New Ziana
