GUTU — The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) granted compassionate leave to an inmate at Mutimurefu Prison, allowing him to attend his twin sister’s funeral in Gutu District on 31 January.
According to a statement by ZPCS, Lenox Masunda—currently serving a sentence for malicious damage to property—was granted temporary leave at the request of his father, Zebron Masunda. Lenox’s twin sister passed away in South Africa on 24 January due to respiratory complications.
Zebron Masunda contacted the rehabilitation office at Mutimurefu Prison to inform officials of the bereavement and request that his son be considered for compassionate leave. Lenox then formally applied, and the ZPCS authorities approved his request.
“A ZPCS team travelled to Plot Number 75, Chartsworth Estate, in Chief Gutu’s area, where the funeral was being held. Mourners welcomed the officers warmly upon their arrival,” the statement read.
The statement also noted that this was not the rehabilitation team’s first visit to the Chartsworth homestead. In March 2025, officers had conducted a home visit after Lenox burned down his father’s house, a time when family relations were strained. That intervention led to reconciliation and forgiveness, and Zebron Masunda has since visited his son regularly at the prison.
The arrival of Lenox in a ZPCS vehicle evoked a mixture of sorrow and relief among relatives and friends gathered to offer condolences.
Lenox’s elder brother, Ezra Masunda, expressed gratitude to the correctional authorities for their compassion.
“We would like to thank ZPCS for giving my younger brother the chance to bid farewell to our sister. This is evidence that genuine rehabilitation is happening, and that inmates are treated as human beings. Allowing him to pay his last respects was truly humane,” he said.
Zebron Masunda also spoke about the positive changes he has observed in his son.
“When he was arrested in 2024, he was under the influence of drugs. Now, he is drug-free and healthier. As a family, we pledge to support him after his release,” he said.
Lenox Masunda has expressed his wish to reunite with his family and support his parents after his release.
