By Staff Reporter

Inmates released from prison under the Presidential Clemency Order over the weekend have thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa for giving them another chance.

Over 300 prisoners have been released from Harare Prisons over the weekend and they have vowed to be law abiding citizens.

One of the released prisoners, Enoch Taderera, who was sentenced to four years for theft, wished President Mnangagwa a long life because of the mercy he had shown to inmates.

“I want to thank President Mnangagwa for this amnesty. I was sentenced at the end of 2019 for theft and I was supposed to walk out of prison in 2023. I am happy that I was released before my term and I will not engage in criminal activities again,” said Taderera.

Hilda Chiromo who was in jail for unlawful entry said she would not disappoint President Mnangagwa by engaging in criminal activities again.

“I don’t want to return to prison again and disappoint the President who has given us this freedom. I have learnt that crime does not pay and I will use my hands to fend for myself. Prison life is not good and I don’t want to return to prison again,” said Chiromo.

Gilbert Shonhiwa said he was surprised to hear his name among the inmates who had benefitted from the amnesty.

“I was surprised to hear my name being called among those who had benefitted from the Presidential amnesty. Before my imprisonment, I was an opposition supporter, but from now onwards, I’m going to support President Mnangagwa and his party because he has given me another chance,” said the jubilant Shonhiwa. 

Former Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge who was serving a 36 months jail term for abuse of office also benefited from the amnesty.

About 3 000 prisoners are expected to benefit from the Presidential Clemency order across the country with 320 inmates already released over the weekend.