Hailstorm Strikes Whawha Prison, Causing Significant Damage
A severe hailstorm has damaged the roofs of sections of Whawha Medium and Young Offenders’ Prisons in Gweru, heightening concerns about possible escapes.
On Sunday, the storm left substantial parts of the prison complex exposed after tearing off sections of the roof. This incident has compounded existing accommodation challenges, as the facility has faced similar weather-related damage in recent years.
Currently, 18 cells capable of housing 350 inmates have been rendered unusable due to the impact of previous hailstorms. The Officer Commanding of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) for the Midlands Province, Commissioner Somemore Gate, noted that this latest storm severely impacted the two facilities.
“A hailstorm blew off roofs at Whawha Medium and Young Offenders Prisons this Sunday, and we are now assessing our losses and considering our next steps,” he stated. “It’s unfortunate that we continue to experience such incidents. The complex, with a capacity of 1,600, currently houses over 1,400 inmates.”
Commissioner Gate emphasized that the decommissioning of certain cells means prison authorities must find alternative accommodations for the inmates. “We need immediate assistance to ensure we can house our prisoners in a dignified manner,” he urged.
Mr. Kosheni Mtisi, the Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet for the Midlands Province, announced that the government is developing a disaster management strategy and plans to safeguard the prison complex against future storms.
“We will collaborate with the Central Protection Unit (CPU) to create a viable action plan, alongside engaging relevant stakeholders to address the infrastructure issues facing the prison,” he indicated. “Our goal is to provide decent accommodations for offenders in line with Vision 2030.”
