Hello, I am Owen Tapiwa Nyakuwanikwa. My tale is a journey from the heart of Zimbabwe to the challenging terrains of the United Kingdom, with life lessons picked up in the most unexpected places. Born amidst the political complexities of Zimbabwe, a burning desire to fight against corruption was instilled in me early on. This fire led me to the UK, a land I believed would offer a grand stage to champion for transparency and justice. However, fate had a different classroom in store for me – a prison cell.
College Days
The narrative unfolds during my early college days, a period tinted with youthful curiosity and a desire for acceptance. Coming from Zimbabwe, I often felt like a square peg in a round hole. In a bid to fit in, I veered off the disciplined path laid down by my conservative family, seeking new experiences and a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, this quest led me to the wrong crowd, individuals whose moral compass didn’t point north. In retrospect, the excitement of newfound independence overshadowed the wisdom of youth, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
The Fateful Plan
The allure of quick money and a naive sense of invincibility entrapped me in a dangerous world of drug-related activities. Driven by a misguided sense of adventure and the ill advice of false friends, I found myself entangled in a web of illegal endeavours, far removed from the ideals I once held dear.
Legal Troubles
The winter of 2016 marked a stark turning point in my life. Arrested and later released on bail, I found myself embroiled in a tiresome legal battle. The daunting reality of my actions began to sink in, casting a long, cold shadow over the days that followed.
The Court Hearing
On August 22, 2017, the gavel fell, marking the closure of one chapter and the eerie beginning of another. Convicted and sentenced to a five-year term – half behind bars and half on probation, the reality of my actions hit home. The road ahead seemed laden with uncertainty and remorse.
Life Behind Bars
No one prepares you for the reality of prison life. The solitude, the reflection, and the weight of disappointment borne not just by me, but by my family, were hard pills to swallow. Yet, amidst the gloom, the seeds of transformation were sown. Through introspection, I began to re-evaluate my life, my choices, and the impact of my actions on others.
A Visit and a Deportation Warning
A chilling visit on August 6, 2019, from a representative of the Zimbabwean embassy, brought news of deportation upon the completion of my sentence. The irony wasn’t lost on me -a vocal critic of Zimbabwe’s political regime, now facing an unwelcome return to the very place I had once fled.
The Road to Deportation and Redemption
March 18, 2020, marked another pivotal moment as I found myself at Mortonhall, a deportation centre. However, life offered a sliver of hope as I embarked on a journey of compliance, engaging in voluntary work, and starting to rebuild my life piece by piece. Although deported, the narrative didn’t end there. The process of self-reflection and reformation continued, fuelling my enduring passion for political justice and advocacy against corruption.
The essence of my story lies in the power of transformation. Despite the murky waters I navigated, the core desire to fight for justice and contribute positively to society remained undeterred. Through sharing my narrative, I aim to inspire, educate, and provoke thought. This blog serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of redemption and the relentless pursuit of a better society, not only in Zimbabwe but across borders. Even in the face of adversity, I believe there’s a light of hope for change, growth, and a chance to make a meaningful impact. Through this platform, I hope to touch lives, challenge the status quo, and continue my quest for a corruption-free society.
About The Author
Owen, your dedication to fighting corruption and advocating for justice is truly commendable. Your personal story adds so much depth to your cause. It’s not easy to stand up for what’s right, especially after facing such challenges. But you’re doing it, and you’re influencing so many along the way. Keep up the amazing work. We need more people like you in this world.
Your voice is powerful and necessary.
Thank you Nelly. Lets continue the fight until Zimbabwe becomes a better place for all.
A few years ago, I found myself in a dark place. Like Owen, I made mistakes that cost me dearly. Society was quick to judge and label me a failure. Reading about Owen’s struggles and redemption gave me hope. His courage to change and fight for what’s right, despite his past, showed me that it’s never too late to turn things around. Owen, you’ve inspired me to start my own journey of transformation. Thank you for being a beacon of hope.
Thank you for the kind words Jake. I am happy that my story has brought hope in your life and l want to encourage you to continue fighting for what you believe in. Lets make the world a better place together.
I’ve been reading your blog for years, Owen. Your story is like no other. It’s so inspiring to see how you’ve grown and changed. You never gave up, even when things got really tough. Your resilience gives me strength. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Keep going, Owen. You’re making a big difference.
I’m humbled by your words. Knowing that there are people who have consistently followed my work gives me so much joy. When l started sharing articles that speak against injustices in Zimbabwe, l knew l was putting my life at risk and it wouldn’t be easy for people to rally behind me because they fear for their lives too but your consistency in following my work is greatly inspiring.