Paul Nyathi

Contrary to reports by lawyers that journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who is remanded in custody on charges of inciting public violence is sick, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS says he is well and being treated like any other prisoner.

ZPCS spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi said just like any other prisoner, Chin’ono will be allowed to be attended by a doctor of his choice even after he had been attended to by resident prison doctors.

“As far as we are concerned, he is well, but to our surprise, social media is awash with unconfirmed reports that he is not well. However, as the ZPCS we have allowed his personal doctor to go and see him,” she said.

The ZPCS has its team of medical personnel who include doctors and nurses. However, in respect to the rights and wishes of prisoners, a request by Chin’ono’s lawyers to have him attended by his personal doctor was granted after one of his lawyers Douglas Coltart visited him and confirmed that he was ill.

I have just visited Hopewell Chin’ono at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and can confirm that he is unwell. We have alerted his private doctor who will be attending to him immediately and we will act accordingly based on the medical assessment and advice. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter

— Doug Coltart ✊??? (@DougColtart) August 31, 2020

Coltart’s assertions were confirmed by Alex Magaisa confirmed the illness.

Further to my earlier tweet concerning Hopewell Chin’ono. I’m advised that the symptoms he is exhibiting include a fever, muscle aches, headache & distorted taste. I’m advised that a swab was taken & relevant tests are being conducted #ZimbabweanLivesMatter #FreeHopewell pic.twitter.com/CraGNutTEz

— Alex T Magaisa ?? (@Wamagaisa) August 31, 2020

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, that has forced Government to close essentials such as schools, and limit travelling, ZPCS has also stopped in-person visiting of prisoners for the safety of staff, prisoners and the public, however Chin’ono’s lawyers cried foul when this was applied even as it did not spare any other prisoner.

Source: State Media