MDC leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday visited jailed Chief
Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni at Khami Maximum Security Prison on the outskirts of
Bulawayo, where the traditional leader revealed he feared for his life.
Ndiweni told Chamisa that he was not taking any chances and
was not having any food prepared by prison officials.
He also said a team of medical doctors have promised to
have him undergo a full medical check-up once released.
Ndiweni is serving an 18-month jail sentence following his
conviction by Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove for destroying a villager’s
homestead. His co-accused, 23 other villagers, were ordered to do community
service.
“I have not been taking food prepared by the prison. I have
been extra-careful and ensuring that all the food I take is coming from
outside, from the people I trust,” he said.
“Also, just yesterday [Friday], a team of medical doctors
was here and promised a full medical check-up once I am released,” Ndiweni, who
was in high spirits, told Chamisa.
Chamisa, who was mobbed by inmates during the visit, was
accompanied by the chief’s lawyer Dumisani Dube and Senator Hellen Mpofu.
Chamisa told The Standard in an exclusive interview that
the traditional leader was jovial and the prison stint had not sapped his
energy.
“I was encouraged to see that the people’s chief is in high
spirits,” he said. “He is happy that he is not broken; he is not a broken man.
“He continues to show courage and fortitude under extreme
circumstances, but my coming here is just to express solidarity with him.”
Ndiweni has approached the High Court challenging his
conviction and sentence.
He has also lodged papers seeking bail pending the
determination of his challenge. Standard
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