Seventy-six prisoners and 25 correctional officers at Bulawayo prison have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube said she was advised yesterday that Grey Prison had recorded some COVID-19 cases, adding that she had verified with Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officials and they were at loss over the development.

“I have just verified with them, they are also at loss,” Ncube said.

“I will be having a meeting with relevant offices tomorrow (today).”

She, however, could not be drawn into revealing the number of cases recorded. But sources told Southern Eye that 76 inmates and 25 correctional officers tested positive for COVID-19.

ZPCS spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi said she was still gathering the statistics and would call back before the end of the day, but had not done so at the time of going to print.

Southern Eye