She was a schoolgirl when she was jailed on drugs-related charges, now, she wants to get her degree

A woman, whose world dramatically changed two years ago when she was arrested on drugs-related charges while on her way to school, is now trying to complete the educational journey which was stalled when she went to jail.

Docus Tomboda is just 21.

But, she has already endured the horrors of spending four months in remand prison, waiting for her trial to be concluded, while she also spent months in jail.

She was a 19-year-old schoolgirl when she was arrested and convicted for being in possession of drugs.

But, she has refused to let that dark period shape the remainder of her life.

She is even furthering her education at a local university, a testament to her resilience and a commitment she made to herself to complete what stopped when she was arrested on her way to school that fateful day.

Yesterday, she shared her journey of recovery and reintegration at a gathering organised by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) in Harare.

She urged current and former inmates to embrace their past because this was important for their successful reintegration into society.

“I regret the choices I made that led me to prison at such a young age,” she said.

“I spent four months in remand prison before my sentencing.

“I was arrested on my way to school, drawn in by the allure of a better life.

“It was heart-breaking to learn about my academic results while being incarcerated.”

Docus revealed that many female ex-convicts often hide their past, fearing the stigma associated with incarceration.

“Some try to maintain their appearance, concealing their prison life, even after release.

“They claim to have been living abroad rather than facing the truth.”

Docus says she chose a different path.

When she was released, she says she openly acknowledged her past, especially her time behind bars.

“It was tough at first to face my community, but with my mother and relatives behind me, acceptance gradually grew.

“By sharing my experiences, I gained support, trust and confidence from my community.

“Everyone is a potential inmate and I felt it was my duty to warn others about the dangers of criminal activities.”

Her honesty resonated with members of her community members, she says, and some of them began to embrace her.

“Elderly individuals embraced me and I received backing from local industry leaders.

“Now, I run a small business and I have not faced stigma from my community.”

Docus expressed gratitude to the ZPCS for their rehabilitation programmes, which equipped her with skills and helped her to accept her past.

She encouraged family members and friends of those who are still incarcerated to offer unwavering support to them.

“I urge serving inmates to cultivate a teachable spirit and embrace correction for the sake of their future.”

One of the serving inmates said Docus’ story serves as a beacon of hope. *_-H-Metro_*