HARARE - Euphoria and jubilation gripped the Harare Central Prison camp on April 1, when a message alleging that the prison boss, Paradzai Zimondi, The message, whose origin was not established, alleged that the Zanu (PF) strongman had resigned and that police commissioner general, Augustine Chihuri, would soon follow suit.
The popular Zuva neZuva bar, where prison officers take a rest when off duty, was full of jubilation as all sorts of things regarding Zimondis resignation were discussed.
But as the day progressed, some members of the service established that Zimondi had not resigned at all.
One officer, who had earlier described Zimondis resignation as the liberation of the enslaved prison officers and inmates, was left speechless upon discovery that he was the butt of a cruel Aprils Fool joke.
We had hoped that we were now free from slavery yet we havent moved even an inch from bondage, he said.
In just a few minutes the bar was deserted, with some even abandoning their braai meat and beers.
Zimondi has been accused by prison officers of recruiting his former army workmates and awarding them higher ranks within the Prison Service, a move that has demoralized genuine prison officers.
The move defended by Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, who told the parliamentary portfolio committee on justice that the Prison Service lacked the capacity to run the service, hence hiring expertise from the Zimbabwe National Army.
The statement angered prison officers who then challenged Zimondi in an anonymous letter to provide them with proof of his right-hand mens qualifications.
Members of the service have been facing political victimization for allegedly supporting the MDC, ever since they held a private victory gala at Chikurubi Maximum prison after the announcement that MDC had won the March 2008 harmonised elections.
Post published in: News