A young woman, Rutendo Kamwendo, 25, recently returned to her newly built home after serving a prison sentence, stepping into a new chapter of her life with renewed hope.
Rutendo was released on March 4 after spending over a year behind bars for shoplifting. Upon her return, she was met with an incredible surprise: a fully furnished three-room house situated on a five-hectare plot in Beatrice.
Determined to make the most of her time in prison, Kamwendo participated in life skills training programmes.
One such opportunity arose through a collaboration between the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and Fulcrum Piggery Production, an initiative led by Nicholas Karikoga.
This programme equipped her with essential knowledge in pig farming, a skill she hoped to use to rebuild her life.
During a ceremony last Friday, Karikoga praised Kamwendo’s dedication to the training programme, noting that she had even earned a solar system as a reward for her hard work.
However, since she had no permanent residence, he decided to take an extra step by securing a piece of land and constructing a home for her.
Karikoga shared that he first learnt about Kamwendo’s circumstances while she was incarcerated at Marondera Open Prison.
Moved by her determination, he, along with several partners including Nyaradzo’s Friends of Environment, the Forestry Commission, and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), ensured that she would have a stable foundation upon her release.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner George Sibanda, the Officer Commanding ZPCS Mashonaland East, expressed gratitude for the generous contributions that had transformed Kamwendo’s life.
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He emphasised that such initiatives inspire former inmates to reintegrate into society as responsible citizens.
Kamwendo herself was overwhelmed with gratitude, acknowledging that the gift of a home and a fresh start would enable her to establish her own piggery business.
Reflecting on her past, she urged others to steer clear of crime, warning of the harsh realities of incarceration.
“Prison is not an easy place to be. Many of us make mistakes without fully understanding the consequences.
This experience has changed me, and I am committed to a better path,” she said. “We all have families who rely on us, and being in prison is a major setback.”
She also spoke about how her time behind bars allowed her to grow, strengthen her faith, and adopt a new perspective on life. With her second chance, she hopes to build a better future while inspiring others to make positive choices.
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