mbulelo smpofu
Rutendo Nyeve, Features Reporter
IN a world where every life choice has a consequence, some pay the highest price: FREEDOM.
Thousands of inmates incarcerated in different prisons across the country find themselves redefining their life journey from that of crime to a tale of transformation, a quest for forgiveness and a longing for a second chance.
These inmates find themselves in a fortress of solitude where time stands still and introspection on their life choices made a long time ago is the order of the day.
Behind the iron bars and concrete walls, prisons ooze with stories of redemption and despair that unfold daily.
While American comic books published by DC Comics and commonly in association with Superman present “The Fortress of Solitude” as a fictional fortress, for inmates, it unfolds as an unfortunate reality.
The Fortress of Solitude is the place where Superman first learnt about his true identity, heritage, and purpose on earth, something that headlines most of the stories behind the concrete walls and iron bars of prisons.
Just like the fictional fortress, prisons function as places of solace where similar to Superman’s occasional headquarters, they are away from the bustles of everyday life.
Traditionally, the Fortress of Solitude is located in the Arctic, though more recent versions have been in other locations, including the Antarctic, the Andes, and Amazon rainforest.
The general public is either unaware or at best only vaguely aware of the existence of the Fortress, and its location is kept secret from all but Superman’s closest friends and allies (such as Lois Lane and Batman).
So is an inmate’s Fortress of Solitude (prison), a few people in the outside world are aware of the regret, transformation and lessons that he/she is going through, but just like Lois Lane and Batman, prison wardens and fellow cellmates know this secret very well.
While the mainstream media and internal Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services media teams have played their role in unravelling some of the sad prison stories with the aim of warning who would-be offenders, what remains worrying is the growing appetite for the crime which has negatively impacted society.
With the city still in shock over the US$4 million heist, a 23-year-old Bulawayo Polytechnic female student, Inobubele Mhlanga, died early November following a brutal knife attack in a robbery that occurred around 7pm while on her way home in Cowdray Park. Two suspects were arrested and linked to the case.
Over the past three weeks, the police particularly the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Bulawayo has made tremendous efforts in curbing the rise in criminal activities, specifically violent crimes such as armed robberies.
On 22 November, detectives in Bulawayo arrested eight suspects who had been targeting fuel stations around Bulawayo and neighbouring urban areas.
“We confirm the arrest of eight armed robbers namely Elvis Charakupa, Khulumani Moyo, Mavrick Dube, Mongameli Moyo, Nkosilomusi Dube, Mabhena Qhawe, Vumani Msipa and Conilias Chigara in connection with a spate of armed robbery cases.
“The eight arrested accused persons have been terrorising Bulawayo from the period ranging from February 2024 up to November 2024 committing armed robbery cases.
“On 20 November 2024, through the help of members of the public, information on the whereabouts of the accused persons was received leading to the arrest of Elvis Charakupa at his place of residence.
“He then led to the arrest of his accomplices. Two vehicles that were used for committing the armed robberies have been recovered, a Nissan Note blue in colour registration number AFZ 4527 and a Toyota Corolla registration number ACN3328 silver in colour.
An erased firearm charged with a magazine of eight rounds was also recovered under the back seat of the Nissan Note vehicle,” said Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele in a statement.
She said through interrogations, the accused persons admitted that they had committed the crimes and other similar offences in Matabeleland South Province in areas such as Filabusi, Gwanda, Plumtree and Beitbridge targeting fuel garages and businesspeople, with CCTV footages revealing the identity of the accused persons.
Later during the same week on 26 November, detectives from Bulawayo further arrested three other armed robbery suspects following a shoot-out.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a shoot-out incident and subsequent arrest of Moketsi Ndlovu (18), Respect Khumalo (22) and Onias Tembo (19) in connection with a series of robbery cases where motor vehicles were targeted in Bulawayo and Gwanda between July 2024 and 20 November 2024.
“On 25 November 2024, a police crack team in Bulawayo received a tip-off linking the suspects to the robbery cases. The suspects were tracked and spotted at their hideout in Luveve, Bulawayo, where they fired at detectives, leading to a shoot-out. Subsequently, the suspects were disarmed and arrested.
“The arrest led to the recovery of a 9mm FN Browning Pistol with three live rounds as well as eight empty cartridges,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
While the police should be commended for arresting these suspects, what remains of concern is how these crimes are impacting society.
In addition to the impact of crime on society, Chief Director CID Commissioner Jealous Nyabasa said the modern policing environment has become dynamic and replete with challenges spawned by technology and the general appetite towards criminal tendencies which has made crime more sophisticated, heinous and far reaching.
Speaking recently at an awards ceremony meant to reward outstanding detectives within the CID, Comm Nyabasa said the net effect of these developments has been that it has become more and more difficult to manage, investigate and has resulted in increased impact on society which requires the police to be more agile, innovative and resourceful when dealing with crime.
“Such a policing environment demands that our police officers go an extra mile in an effort to solve complicated criminal cases and indeed, some have done so with distinction.
“It is these police officers whom we are going to reward today, but may I hasten to highlight that, as Team CID we have done so well in creating a conducive working environment for business to thrive in all the key sectors of the economy,” said Comm Nyabasa.
However, as the police commit to creating the conducive working environment, would-be offenders, should take into consideration that the path leads to a painful fortress of solitude, a place where time stands still. — @nyeve14
Online Reporter
