Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani yesterday led hundreds of mourners, who included service chiefs, in putting to rest Zambia Prisons Service commissioner Gibbie Nawa at Mukobeko Prison grounds.
And President Rupiah Banda has directed that Dominic Nkonde, a prisoner at Mukobeko medium prison who was instrumental in preparing the burial site for Mr Nawa, be put on parole for six months after which he should be employed by the Zambia Prisons Service under the buildings department for his diligence.
In his address to mourners, who included senior Government officials, Mr Mangani, who represented President Banda, said Zambia had lost a vibrant and hard working officer who had demonstrated humility and kindness.
Mr Nawa was instrumental in ensuring that the welfare of his staff was uplifted and the zeal was reflected in the housing initiative he had formulated.
“His death is a loss to all and, importantly, the family. Let me state here that out of every bad situation, God has a hand and, as such, family members should support the widow and children,” Mr Mangani said.
He advised Prisons Service staff to remain steadfast in discharging their duties even in the absence of the commissioner.
The minister hailed the South African government for assisting Mr Nawa and his family while he was in hospital in that country. He also commended the family for allowing the Government to choose the burial site for the late commissioner.
And on behalf of President Banda, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Mr Mangani directed that Nkonde, who was serving a five-year jail term for the offence of motor vehicle theft, be put on parole for six months and that he be employed later.
Mr Mangani also promoted assistant superintendent John Phiri, who supervised the preparation of the burial site, to the rank of superintendent. The pallbearers and officers who participated in the drills were also awarded a rank each for the job well-done during the burial of Mr Nawa.
In a citation, Home Affairs deputy Permanent Secretary Willies Manjimela described Mr Nawa as a humble, approachable and friendly person.
Mr Manjimela said the late commissioner had contributed to the Prisons Service and that Zambia had lost a gallant serviceman who was loyal and hard working.
Earlier, Africa Correctional Services Association (ACSA) representative, Mary Magoro said the association was saddened by the loss of a visionary leader. She said Mr Nawa provided good leadership under ACSA and the region would miss his wisdom.
Family spokesperson, Bartholomew Tilasi thanked the Zambian and South African governments and all well-wishers for the assistance rendered during the illness and eventual death of Mr Nawa.
Mr Nawa is survived by a wife Beatrice, nine children and three grandchildren.
[Times of Zambia]
