Zimbabwean convicts told to buy own prison garb

THE Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS) is reportedly asking relatives of convicts to buy prison garb which they are not allowed to leave with on their release.

An elderly woman whose son is serving a seven-year jail term at Khami Prison yesterday told Southern Eye that her son told her that prison officials advised them to ask their relatives to buy them prison regalia as ZPCS could not afford to provide them with the uniforms.

"I had to buy my son a blanket, a prison uniform, two white T-shirts, white tennis shoes and a white hat after he told me this. My concern is that when he is released, they won't allow him to leave with his clothing. This is not proper as we should not be forced to donate to prisons," said the woman.

She said this was grossly unfair as ZPCS had an obligation to look after the welfare of all prisoners.

Assistant chief prison officer Simon Kaondo yesterday said the responsibility to provide for the welfare of inmates, including things like prison garb and blankets lay with ZPCS.

"These are provided religiously to both convicted and unconvicted inmates. However, as for jerseys, relatives usually are allowed to bring them to cushion their loved ones during winter," said Kaondo.