Three incarcerated members of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) currently serving 20-year-sentences at Chikurubi Maximum Prison for murdering a police officer in 2011 believes their only hope for freedom rests in an opposition victory in the forthcoming elections.
The three prisoners, Tungamirai Madzokere, Last Maengahama and Yvonne Musarurwa expressed their hope that the forthcoming elections would usher in a new government that will bring positive change in the lives of the people.
Maengahama who had an opportunity to interact with MDC-T Acting President Elias Mudzuri who visited the trio on Monday challenged the new administration to respect prisoners’ right to vote.
“I believe we have a constitutional right to vote like every other Zimbabwean and hope that all prisoners will be allowed to enjoy this basic constitutional right.
“I hope with that we will be free and meet our families soon,” said Maengehama.
The trio were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after being convicted of killing a ZRP officer, Inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View, Harare.
Mutedza was brutally stoned to death at Glen View 3 Shopping Center in May 2011 during an MDC-T rally which turned to violence.
Madzokere complained on the life in prison saying there is no running water and electricity, the situation he said in making their life difficult.
“We have no running water here for almost a week now and the electricity transformer has since broken down at the female section and the prisoners have no light during the night,” said Madzokere.
Mudzuri expressed hope that the Mnangagwa administration will grant them amnesty as they are political prisoners.
“I am very much aware and sure that you did not commit any crime and I hope that the current government will consider you and grant amnesty,” said Mudzuri.
Mudzuri was accompanied by the party’s secretary for Welfare Concilia Chinanzvavana, Sessel Zvidzai, Secretary for Security Giles Mutsekwa and other senior party officials.
