The Murewa Prison Traditional Dance Group won third place and a US$1,000 cash prize at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Festival held at Murewa Centre Caravan Park on 30 May 2026 after performing the Mbende dance.
The group, comprising inmates and correctional officers, was led by Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Wirinanayi Machipisa.
Machipisa said the achievement had boosted inmates’ confidence and encouraged them to embrace rehabilitation.
“This accomplishment motivates the inmates to embrace rehabilitation and prepare for successful reintegration into society upon their release,” she said.
She said the group was also seeking to revive the Murewa Correctional School of Arts (MUCOSA) to promote arts education among inmates, correctional officers and the wider community.
“This result shows that we are capable of achieving even greater success. We will continue working hard, and next time our goal is to bring home the top prize,” she said.
The inmates thanked the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service and Chibuku Neshamwari organisers for providing a platform to showcase their talents.
Inmate Tichaona Dzotizei said the achievement had inspired hope and strengthened his determination to build a better future.
“I never imagined that we could achieve something like this from behind prison walls,” he said.
“We have demonstrated our abilities despite the mistakes that brought us here. I hope the community will continue to support us and welcome us back when we complete our sentences.”
A total of 10 groups participated in the festival, including teams from Mutoko Prison and Marondera Prison, each receiving a US$500 participation prize.
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