An inmate at Hwange Prison was granted permission to attend his father’s burial following an urgent application processed by prison authorities.
Emmanuel Chipembere, 26, who is serving a six-month sentence for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and wire snares, received sad news of his father’s death on Saturday, May 2.
His father, Raphael Chipembere, had died at their rural home in Mambanje Village under Chief Nekatambe.
Officer in Charge of Hwange Prison, Superintendent Tambudzai Zireva, submitted the request through the Officer Commanding Matabeleland North Province, and it was approved by Commissioner-General Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu.
Chipembere was escorted by correctional officers, including a rehabilitation officer and a social worker, to the burial, where he joined family members in mourning.
In a statement, ZPCS said, family members and the community expressed gratitude to Comm-Gen Dr Chihobvu for facilitating the attendance.
“Under the Prisons and Correctional Service Act, inmates may be granted compassionate leave to attend funerals of close relatives, in line with correctional practices that recognise family ties during incarceration.”
