Grief behind bars: Hwange inmate granted leave for father’s burial

In a rare show of compassion, prison authorities recently allowed a 26-year-old Hwange inmate to leave his cell to bid a final farewell to his father.

Emmanuel Chipembere, who is currently serving a six-month sentence for the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and wire snares, was granted leave to attend the burial of his father, Raphael Chipembere, at Mambanje Village under Chief Nekatambe.

The bereavement occurred on Saturday, 2 May 2026, prompting the family to immediately approach prison officials with an urgent request for Emmanuel’s presence at the funeral.

The family has since praised the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) for their “humane” and “prompt” response.

Tinashe Chipembere, Emmanuel’s uncle, noted that the request was processed through the Officer in Charge at Hwange Prison, superintendent Tambudzai Zireva, and the officer commanding Matabeleland North Province, before receiving final approval from commissioner General Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu.

“They explained that under the Prisons and Correctional Service Act, inmates can be granted leave to attend the funerals of close relatives, as part of recognising family ties even during incarceration,” Tinashe Chipembere said.

To ensure security protocols were maintained, Emmanuel was escorted to the village by a team of correctional officers, including a social worker and a rehabilitation officer.

Despite the armed escort, his family expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to have him present during the mourning period.

“It meant a lot for Emmanuel to be present and to fulfil his duties as a son, despite his circumstances,” his uncle added, noting that the officers conducted themselves with professionalism and respect.

Prison authorities emphasised that such grants of compassionate leave are intended to uphold the dignity of inmates and support their long-term rehabilitation by preserving essential family connections. – _*NewsDay*_

*Move them now: Bulawayo residents demand urgent relocation of urban tollgates*

Residents’ associations and motoring groups are ramping up pressure on the government to fast-track the relocation of urban tollgates, arguing that current placements are unfairly penalising local communities and stifling traffic flow.

The call for action follows government proposals to review and reposition several key toll sites, including those at Dema, Lion’s Den, Umguza, and Shamva.

Residents’ representatives have welcomed the review but are demanding expedited implementation to prevent mounting congestion and avoid imposing additional financial burdens on people living in surrounding areas.

“Residents and motorists deserve infrastructure that matches the excellence of our roads,” said a spokesperson, Chikomba, emphasising that development must remain “people-centred, fair, and forward-looking.”

The organisation further reiterated its commitment to advocating for improved transparency and inclusive service delivery across the country.

In Bulawayo, the sentiment is equally urgent.

Winos Dube, chairman of the Bulawayo United Residents Association, called on lawmakers to take a more proactive role in the dispute.

“These are concerns to be raised with the relevant department within its ministry,” Dube stated, suggesting that the government should consider either relocating the gates to more suitable sites or granting waivers to residents who are proven to be adversely affected by the current placements.

Dube added that the public expects legislators to “play a leading role” in addressing these logistical challenges to ensure that the tolling system does not become a barrier to daily life. – _*NewsDay*_