Former Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe, once a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, is now a veteran inmate at Khami Maximum Prison.
His life has taken a dramatic turn since his conviction for fraud last year, indeed life can can be very unpredictable.
Mukupe, along with his accomplices Same Kapisoriso, Joseph Taderera and Leonard Mudzuto, were each sentenced to an effective three years in prison by High Court judge, Justice Benjamin Chikowero.
Despite the harsh reality of his situation, Mukupe has found a way to make a positive impact on his fellow inmates, using his expertise in finance and mathematics to impart valuable skills.
“We have educational facilities here at Khami and being a Maths and Finance fundi, I have a group of inmates that I’m teaching the commerce subject,” he said, as his voice reflected a newfound sense of purpose.
“These days everyone aspires to be an entrepreneur and I find people coming to me and asking for advice on entrepreneurship and the things that they can do out there when they are released. So, I impart those skills that I have to my fellow inmates.”
“I was greatly surprised at the set up at Khami,” he said, while betraying a glimmer of hope.
“It’s truly more a correctional facility than a prison when you compare with Chikurubi Maximum Prison where I was transferred from. I think Khami is the blueprint that should be used when talking about correctional facilities in the country.”
He went on to describe the positive changes he has witnessed at Khami, highlighting the focus on inmate well-being and a sense of brotherhood that transcends social status.
“Everyone has really been professional and it’s evident from the health of the inmates that their wellness is important here,” he added.
“The one thing that will surprise people about this place is the brotherhood that you get at Khami; everyone is treated the same. So, there are no issues to do with the social standing that one held out there before coming to this prison. We’re all treated the same way and the rights that every prisoner is entitled to are respected, regardless of who the inmate is.”
Mukupe’s experiences at Khami have led him to offer a word of caution to those who might be tempted to engage in criminal activities.
“This is not a place that I wish anyone to be in. So, my advice is that it’s always right and proper to stay on the right side of the law and just basically live a straightforward life,” he said, as his eyes were visibly filled with a sense of regret.
He also stressed the importance of faith and family support in navigating the challenges of prison life.
“The biggest advice I would also give is for people to stay true to God, uNkulunkulu ulamandla,” Mukupe, a former Member of Parliament for Harare East constituency (Zanu PF) said.
“Family is everything, I know some brothers here who have gone for eight years without a visitor and you can tell that it affects them mentally. I would urge people out there with a friend or relative in prison to make time and visit them no matter what crime they committed because rehabilitation starts with family accepting you as you are.”
Mukupe’s own experience with family support has been a source of strength during his time in prison.
“My 86-year-old grandmother came all the way from Harare to visit me and one can imagine what that gesture does for my mental well-being. It makes me feel that I’m still human and that I have got people that love me.,” he concluded.
