A Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison inmate who murdered his girlfriend in 2018 received a life sentence after Zimbabwe abolished capital punishment in December 2024. Steward Tembo teaches French to fellow prisoners and wears a red shirt emblazoned with messages about faith and redemption. Justice ministry permanent secretary Vimbai Nyemba visited the facility on Wednesday to inform former death row inmates about their appeal rights under the reformed system.
Prison officials said vocational training programs prepare inmates for rehabilitation through carpentry, horticulture and tailoring work that meets international labor standards. Albert Chigumba said life sentences remain difficult despite the penalty change. Tembo left behind a wife and child in Murehwa when authorities convicted him seven years ago for what he called a tragic misunderstanding.
The ministry plans additional outreach visits to other maximum-security locations as part of its human rights reforms. Inmates produce clothing and supplies for hospitals and schools using equipment from prison workshops.
Prison officials said vocational training programs prepare inmates for rehabilitation through carpentry, horticulture and tailoring work that meets international labor standards. Albert Chigumba said life sentences remain difficult despite the penalty change. Tembo left behind a wife and child in Murehwa when authorities convicted him seven years ago for what he called a tragic misunderstanding.
The ministry plans additional outreach visits to other maximum-security locations as part of its human rights reforms. Inmates produce clothing and supplies for hospitals and schools using equipment from prison workshops.
