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Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

INMATES at Chikurubi Maximum Prison last week received an assortment of personal protective equipment worth $400 000 from TelOne, a donation meant to contain the spread of Covid-19 in correctional facilities.

The donation included disposable shoe covers, water proof space suits, gum boots, latex and rubber gloves, surgical masks, disposable plastic aprons, theatre caps, sanitisers, refuse bags, bin liners and sanitisers.

TelOne corporate communications manager Ms Melody Harry said the donation was part of their efforts to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

“The donation is part of corporate social responsibility, to save and protect our communities from this pandemic,” she said.

“We understand that prisoners are among the vulnerable groups and we have noticed that the issue of PPEs is a challenge. Most people are left exposed because they do not have the necessary equipment to protect themselves.’’

Officer-in charge Chikurubi Maximum Prison Assistant Commissioner George Mutumbanyoka hailed TelOne for the good gesture.

‘’We are grateful to receive all this protective equipment. This donation will go a long way in fighting Covid-19,’’ he said.

The Director of Health Services in ZPCS Dr Evidence Gaka said the donation was timely.

He called upon other companies to join in the fight against Covid-19 in prisons.

“We are grateful to receive a donation which will go a long way in assisting to fight the pandemic,” said Dr Gaka. “Other parastatals should also come on board and help fight the pandemic in our correctional facilities.

“We have recorded a number of Covid-19 cases in prisons both affecting inmates and staff. Our officers should be adequately protected so that they do not contract the infection.”