BULAWAYO – Notorious convicted murderer Rodney Tongai Jindu, who was sentenced to death for the brutal killings of two of his close friends, has reportedly turned his life over to God behind bars.
Now studying for a degree in theology, Jindu was among 156 inmates baptised at Khami Maximum Prison last Friday, marking what he described as the beginning of a new spiritual chapter.
Jindu, who was convicted for the 2017 murders of Mboneli Ncube and Cyprian Kudzurunga, was spared execution earlier this year when Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. His sentence was subsequently commuted to two life terms.
Speaking from prison, Jindu said his journey to redemption began during his time on death row, where he had what he described as a spiritual awakening.
“When I started praying, I told God that if somehow I could be spared the death sentence, I would dedicate the rest of my life to Him—either through ministry or humanitarian work,” he said.
“When I went for resentencing, I left everything in God’s hands. I said, ‘Lord, if it is your will that I remain on death row, so be it. If it is your will that I am spared, so be it.’ I am fully surrendered to His plan for me.”
Jindu revealed that the turning point came during the long, silent days on death row, where the Bible became his closest companion.
“Thankfully, we had a Bible in the death row section, and during my time there, I read it a lot. Over time, I drew closer and closer to God. When I was moved here, I enrolled in the Greater Grace Theology programme.
“I’m still studying, and I’m confident that as long as God is with me, everything will work out for the best,” he said.
Jindu, who once made chilling claims about cannibalising his victims, said he was also determined to make amends with the families of those he killed. He said he hoped to do so with the help of former inmate and now Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Dumisani Nkomo.
“I feel renewed. I’m grateful for this opportunity and deeply thankful to the Adventist community, especially Mr. Nkomo,” Jindu said. “He has gone through similar circumstances, so I value his guidance.”
“This feels like a new beginning—a new dawn. I was living a dark life. I was a bad person. But being baptised, I feel like some of that filth has been washed away. I feel cleansed.”
