Zimbabwe, Chipinge-Gone are the days, when one was jailed, they would become outcast.
In this modern era of reintegration and integration of inmates back into society things have changed.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service said that there were celebrations at Chipinge Prison after inmate Sarah Simango was granted permission to attend her daughter’s lobola ceremony under escort.
Simango, who is serving a four-year sentence for robbery, attended the ceremony for her daughter, Patience Sibiya, in Gaza Medium Suburb, Chipinge, where Tafadzwa Usore and his family carried out traditional Ndau marriage rites.
The inmate was escorted from prison to fulfil what she described as an important family obligation.
Simango said the gesture by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service restored her dignity as a mother despite her incarceration.
“I thought I would miss this day and it would have became a pain in my heart forever. Being here today means everything to me and my daughter,” she said.
Usore paid the bride price and presented groceries in line with Ndau cultural practices.
Chipinge Prison Rehabilitation Officer, Correctional Officer Grade One McDonald Garapo, who attended the event, said the development reflected the organisation’s correctional approach, which promotes human dignity.
“As an organisation, humanity is one of our core values. We commit ourselves to treating everyone with human dignity, and this event today, we are living up to our values,” he said.
Simango later returned to Chipinge Prison after the ceremony, with the development giving hope to other inmates.
