Inmate escorted to daughter's lobola ceremony

There were emotional scenes at Chipinge Prison after inmate Sarah Simango was granted special permission to attend her daughter's lobola ceremony under escort.

Simango, who is serving a four-year sentence for robbery, was taken to Gaza medium-density suburb to witness the traditional Ndau marriage rites between her daughter, Patience Sibiya, and the family of Tafadzwa Usore.

She described the moment as deeply meaningful, saying it allowed her to fulfil her role as a mother despite her incarceration.

"I thought I would miss this day and carry that regret forever. Being here today means everything to me and to my daughter," she said.

The ceremony included the payment of bride price and the presentation of groceries in line with Ndau cultural customs.

Officials from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), including Correctional Officer Grade One McDonald Garapo, attended the event. Garapo said the decision reflected the service's rehabilitation-focused approach.

"Treating people with humanity is one of our core values. Today we are putting that value into action," he said.

Garapo, who serves as Chipinge Prison's rehabilitation officer, said such initiatives form part of efforts to balance custody with dignity and family reintegration.

Simango returned to prison after the ceremony. Authorities said the gesture has boosted morale among inmates, demonstrating that, where appropriate, family responsibilities can be accommodated under escort arrangements as part of rehabilitation efforts.