Zimbabweans Fume As Tapiwa Makore Senior Pushes To Establish “Prisoners For ED”

Convicted Murderer Suggests Prisoners For ED Programme

Convicted murderer Tapiwa Makore Senior, who is currently serving a life sentence for the brutal killing of his seven-year-old nephew, has sparked a firestorm of controversy. From his cell in Chikurubi Maximum Prison, Makore Senior has publicly called for the creation of a “Prisoners For ED” advocacy group. The shocking proposal was made during an interaction with the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary, Vimbai Nyemba, on 29 October 2025. A video of his comments was widely shared by The Herald Zimbabwe, instantly dividing public opinion across the nation.

The convicted man, whose original death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, expressed optimism about his future. He argued for the new group after observing that many other organisations have formed their own “For ED” associations in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

According to The Herald Zimbabwe, Makore Senior stated:

“I am calling for the introduction of a ‘Prisoners for ED’ programme in prisons.”

Public Outrage Erupts Online

The news of Makore Senior’s political pitch from prison was met with immediate and fierce backlash on social media platform X. Many Zimbabweans expressed disgust that a man convicted of such a gruesome crime was being given a public platform. The pain from the 2020 murder of young Tapiwa Makore, whose body was dismembered for alleged ritual purposes, remains raw for the public.

Twitter user Arnold Farai Bimha reacted with fury, questioning the decision to give the convict airtime. He posted:

“Why are you giving this man airtime? After his callous murder of his brother’s little boy? Mashaya news? Rubbish mhani (What, you have no news? This is rubbish).”

Another user, Taurai Zvimwe, wrote in a mix of Shona and English:

“Ari kuda kusvibisa zita remukuru. For ED muchiuraya vana? Rot in jail idiot!!!!! (He wants to tarnish the president’s name. For ED, when you kill children? Rot in jail idiot!!!!!).”

The sentiment was echoed by Marcia Rush, who highlighted the insensitivity towards the victim’s family, posting:

“Why give such a murderer the opportunity to even speak publicly nemiwo herald publish his picture, imagine how the parents feel seeing him enjoy little light moments in prison.”

User Mnex Mandlovu directly challenged the state newspaper, stating:

“NO. Why give that guy airtime @HeraldZimbabwe? His heinous crime is well documented Trying to associate such a character with @edmnangagwa? Heads must roll ZESA style. Time for mediocrity is over.”

A Nation Divided and Disgusted

While the overwhelming response was one of anger and revulsion, a handful of comments suggested a belief in Makore Senior’s innocence or a cynical acceptance of the political manoeuvre. User Rex M.E Midzi claimed that another man, Shamba, had confessed to the murder and wrongly implicated Makore Senior. He tweeted:

“I spent many many many hours with this man before and during trial I believe him Shamba testified that he had killed Tapiwa Jnr & had wrongly implicated Tapiwa Snr What i do know there killers out there roaming free May the young man’s soul rest in peace. God bless.”

However, this was a rare perspective. The proposal was widely seen as a blatant attempt to curry favour with the authorities for a potential pardon or better treatment. User Simba Chips drew a direct comparison, posting:

“He feels sorry for the young boys arrested on drug charges, but he can’t admit that murdered an innocent young boy, a relative, his namesake for that matter. So he is now bootlicking so that ED releases him like that other rapist!”

User George E. Nyandoro expressed a cynical prediction about the outcome, writing:

“That one will be getting released, a car and cash soon. Prisoners4 ED”

Another user, Mturikwa, simply declared in Shona:

“Uyu mdara asina musoro (This old man is foolish).”

User The Prince of Kotwa raised practical concerns, stating:

“The President should by all means not allow this nonsense. Prisoner’s will become ungovernable and not answerable to the Correctional Officers. No prisoner should be allowed to call himself a prisoner for the President, hell no.”

The call for “Prisoners For ED” has clearly opened old wounds. The future of this proposed group remains uncertain, but the public’s verdict on its chief proponent has been swift and severe.