Zimpapers Logo

A soon to be free prisoner helps a fellow inmate walk. Some of the terminally ill prisoners are also being set free. (All Pictures by Ruvimbo Chakanyuka)

Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
Hundreds of serving inmates who benefited from the Presidential pardon walked out of prison today begging the nation to embrace them saying they had reformed after their incarceration.
President Mugabe extended the presidential pardon on February 12 this year in terms of Section 112 (1) (a) and (d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Inmates at Chikurubi Female Prison who were the first to be released burst into songs praising President Mugabe and Government for giving them a second chance.
Angeline Mutsindikwa (33) who was due to come out on April 16, 2023 after she was convicted of stock theft and sentenced to nine years, said she is still to believe that she was walking out of prison.
“I was convicted of stock theft on August 16, 2012 I was not looking forward to be free anytime soon, I would like to thank President Mugabe for exercising leniency.
“I do not want my family members to know I want to surprise them,” she said.
She said her family had already accepted her apology as they had been visiting her frequently.
Erinata Matina of Chinhoyi who does not know her age but believes she is around 80 years said she was very happy that President Mugabe gave her a chance to spend the remainder of her life with her family.
“I was drunk when I assaulted and killed my mother, I was left with three years on my sentence. I am very happy to be leaving this place,”
she said.
The longest serving inmate at the prison, Rudo Mainda, who was sentenced to 18 years for stock theft said, she was delighted to join her family after spending 10 years in jail.
“I am overwhelmed I cannot eat at the moment I want to thank the President for the chance he has given me and I would also like to thank prison officials for moulding me and taking me as a kid,” she said.
A former Ministry of Information and Publicity employee who swindled the ministry of US$19 000 was also among the beneficiaries.
“I was convicted and sentenced in 2012. I was due to come out in February 2016. I am happy I was given this rare opportunity to raise my children and start a new life.
“Relatives have been visiting me so much but I heard my husband left for South Africa,” she said.
She said she was expecting a rousing welcome at home.
There were 18 980 prisoners in Zimbabwe’s 42 prisons as at February 14  this year, which is 12 percent above the holding capacity of 17 000.

Thandiwe Dube was arrested by police charged with fraud soon after her release today.

Freedom: These former inmates leave Chikurubi Female section today

Some of the female inmates signing off to go home

Some of the old prisoners who are leaving Harare Central Prison today.