379 prisoners released in Manicaland
By Ngoni Dapira
MUTARE – A total of 379 inmates in Manicaland’s 10 prisons were released on Monday and Tuesday following the special Presidential Clemency Order issued out last Tuesday.
President Mugabe pardoned 2 000 prisoners countrywide under Clemency Order Number 1 of 2014 and section 112 (1) (a) of the Constitution, which allows the President to exercise the power of mercy after consultation with his Cabinet.
The clemency benefited all female prisoners convicted before February 12, except those sentenced to death or serving life sentence.
To male inmates, the amnesty was extended to all those in Category F, who are of old age (above 70 years), Category E of those serving in open-air prisons, Category D of those terminally ill and Category C of those sentenced to 36 months and below, but only after serving a quarter of their sentence.
All male inmates on death row or serving life sentences were, however, excluded from the amnesty.
All juveniles below 18 years old regardless of the offence they committed were also pardoned.
However, convicts serving time for serious crimes, including murder, rape, carjacking and armed robbery, did not benefit under the clemency.
In Manicaland all the female inmates were released on Monday, while male inmates followed on Tuesday.
It was, however, unfortunate for Emily Gwembe (31), who was untimely slapped with another eight months in prison last Friday after she had previously been listed for amnesty with others last Tuesday.
Gwembe, a mother of three, currently nestling her one-year-old baby, Prosper, was convicted last year in November for three counts of theft and was expecting to be released in September.
She, however, had a pending conviction that was untimely brought up last Friday. She was sentenced to six months, with two months suspended on condition of good behaviour. Another two months were suspended leaving her to serve four months.
A remorseful Gwembe nonetheless thanked President Mugabe for the amnesty and said although she was sad about not being pardoned, she was grateful for the four months scrapped off and was looking forward to her freedom in four months.
She said she hoped her family would accept her when she goes out as she would want to turnover her life.
A Nigerian, Mathew Ibe Ejike (29) who was convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm last year in April was so elated to be released.
“I am so happy I have been released. I can go home now. Thank you Mr President (President Mugabe),” said the elated Ejike.
Bright Mazambani (33) from Nyanga said no words could express his joy over the amnesty.
“I was convicted in 2011 for unlawful entry and was supposed to come out on June 28. Every day I would countdown the days left, but when news about the amnesty came I just thanked God for the early exit.
“I just want to start a new life and hope society will accept us as rejuvenated beings.
“During my time in prison I learnt a lot. I also worked at Border Timbers and earned a few dollars that were being banked in my account. So at least I have somewhere to start,” said Mazambani.
Mazambani in the spirit of ubuntu volunteered to help a fellow inmate that did not have money for transport to go back home. Some of the pardoned inmates were going as far as Mutoko, but after being released they refused to spend another night in prison.
ZPCS Manicaland public relations officer, Senior Prison Officer Liberty Mhlanga, said as correctional centres they believed those pardoned had learnt their lessons and society should embrace them, not shun them. Manica Post
