(Last Updated on January 20, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has said she has tested positive for Covid-19, days after being released from prison on bail.
Mahere spent a week in custody following his arrest on charges of communicating falsehoods.
She was detained at Harare Central Police Station before being transferred to Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Writing on her social media platforms, Mahere said she is currently suffering from a cough and fever only, adding that she had decided to share her results to draw attention to the state of prisons in the country.
“Despite having been in an “isolation cell” and the “quarantine section” at Chikurubi Maximum Prison, I have tested positive for COVID-19, following seven days of pre-trial incarceration.
“While I currently only have a cough and fever, I have chosen to share my results to draw attention to the deplorable state of our prison conditions and the very real threat faced by inmates at these facilities. I believe that in my own life, all experiences good and bad have been willed by God to teach me something deeper about humanity,” said Mahere.
The Harare based lawyer said she was focused on returning to good health.
However, she called upon everyone to remember many others who are in custody and exposed to the pandemic.
“My present focus is a return to good health but my heart breaks for the many inmates whom I left behind. In this moment, I pray that my experiences spur us into action for those who society has tucked away in silence and mostly forgotten. They don’t even have the most basic need – running water. This is before we look at soap, sanitiser, clean masks and proper facilities to enable social distancing. Their lives matter. I call on those with the authority to change things to look at the state of our prisons and respond accordingly.
“COVID-19 is affecting us all. Now is the time to show leadership, pragmatism and humanity. As for those who continue to use lawfare as a tool to silence opposition voices, thank you for bringing to the light what has been forgotten in the dark. We must demand accountability for every Zimbabwean life under the supposed care of the State,” she added.
Mahere also encouraged citizens to take caution and adhere to preventive measures advised.
“I ask that we not only pray for Zimbabwe but take responsibility for each other by wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and avoiding gatherings. Most importantly let’s be kind to one another at a period when so many are going through so much. The consequences of poor leadership are evident but we the people should never tire of being exemplary in our conduct.”
Human rights activists have continuously alarm at the state of prisons in Zimbabwe.
Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono currently imprisoned has also been at the forefront in exposing the state of the prisons.