Inmate allowed to attend father's funeral

In a rare gesture of compassion, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service recently granted a 26-year-old inmate from Hwange temporary leave from prison to attend his father's funeral.

Emmanuel Chipembere, who is serving a six-month sentence for the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and wire snares, was allowed to bid farewell to his father, Raphael Chipembere, who was buried at Mambanje Village under Chief Nekatambe.

The family approached prison authorities following Raphael Chipembere's death on Saturday, May 2, 2026, seeking permission for Emmanuel to attend the burial.

According to family members, the request was handled swiftly by prison officials and ultimately approved by Commissioner General Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu.

Tinashe Chipembere, Emmanuel's uncle, said the process involved the Officer in Charge at Hwange Prison, Superintendent Tambudzai Zireva, as well as the officer commanding Matabeleland North Province.

"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," said Tinashe Chipembere.

To maintain security protocols, Emmanuel was escorted to the funeral by correctional officers, including a social worker and a rehabilitation officer.

Despite the armed escort, the family praised prison officials for what they described as a humane and respectful approach.

"It meant a lot for Emmanuel to be present and to fulfil his duties as a son, despite his circumstances," his uncle said.

He added that the officers conducted themselves professionally throughout the mourning period.

Prison authorities said compassionate leave provisions are designed to preserve family bonds and support inmate rehabilitation by recognising the importance of maintaining human dignity during incarceration.