Sulu entertains inmates at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Ambassador, Assistant Commissioner Sulumani Chimbetu, has called for unity amongst artists so as to build a successful industry in the country.
Sulu, as he is affectionately known by his legion of fans, also called for members of the community to have compassion towards inmates, saying “everyone is a potential inmate.”
He revealed this on Wednesday as he led an array of artists during a tour of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and Chikurubi Female Prison.
The tour was in preparation for the Prisons and Correctional Service Day Commemorations set for this Friday at Chikurubi Damview Resort.
“First and foremost I would like to thank everyone who spared their precious time to come and be with us today, to be with the inmates.
“I want to appreciate that, it was just on a short notice but the response that we got was so overwhelming and I’m very very happy.
“I want to say should be united as artists in Zimbabwe, not only when it comes to certain problems but even on certain programmes.
“We should be together, we should work together, collaborate and we will go far as Zimbabwean artists; that’s the main thing I want to acknowledge and appreciate,” said Sulu.
He added that seeing the various artists being happy and mingling the inmates was well appreciated for the rehabilitation efforts by ZPCS.
artists and ZPCS officers pose for a photo after the tour
“To see artists mixing and mingling with the inmates, I think it was one big thing which is very fundamental to have certain public forces, joining hands, coming in to visit and spare their precious time, leaving their jobs, perhaps their monies out there, coming to spend time with the inmates.
“As you can see, the inmates were happy, they had a great time,” added Sulu.
Rudo Nyangoni, Bana Des As International Rhumba Band Manager
Rudo Nyangoni, Bana Des As International Rhumba Band Manager, said they greatly appreciated their inclusion for the worthy event.
“I would like to appreciate our inclusion for this programme, it is an honour to be here.
“This programme is very important because the inmates are usually confined, like their freedom is curtailed but today you could see as we toured, they were happy, it was quite helpful to many of them.
“We managed to entertain them (inmates), I know some of them are now stress free because of just the presence of all these artists.
“When we were dancing, cracking jokes with them, they forgot their worries for a moment which is really good,” said Nyangoni.
She added: “for the programme on Friday, we are promising fireworks as we spend time with our inmates. So we are calling on many people to come and show love and support.
“I’m also grateful for the support by all these artists because it showed compassion and also for us to complement such government efforts of inmates’ rehabilitation is a worthy cause.”
All artists gave words of faith and encouragement to the inmates, gestures which were really appreciated as evidenced by the while cheers which roared through the prison walls.
And as each artist was introduced to the inmates, they gave a glimpse performance, much to the appreciation of their hosts.
Artists who attended the tour included Simon Mutambi, First Farai, Bev, Tendai Chimombe, Bana Des As International, Vee Mhofu, Obert Chari, Prince Chigwida, Mbida Dee, Sekuru Gudo, Fahim Somanje, David Hondoyedzomba, Extreme Entertainment and several tv and radio personalities.
