The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs,
in partnership with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), are
working to implement the system that is outlined in the new Prisons and
Correctional Service Act.
President Mnangagwa recently reassured the ZPCS of
continued Government support to enable the organisation to fulfil its
constitutional mandate while officiating at a pass-out parade of correctional
officers at Ntabazinduna Training School.
The parole system initiative underscores Zimbabwe’s
commitment to transforming its prison system from one of punishment to one
focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Parole is the conditional release of prisoners before they
complete their sentences. The new Act has provision for the establishment of
the State Parole Board and sets conditions for early release from prison.
The system needs ways of measuring how each prisoner
considered for parole would have met the required conditions.
An inmate can be released through a decision made by the
President, the State Parole Board, the Commissioner General of Prisons, or the
Minister responsible for Prisons and Correctional Services.
The State Parole Board is authorised to release inmates on
day parole.
Some of the considerations for granting parole include
whether an inmate has displayed meritorious conduct, self-discipline,
responsibility and was industrious while in prison.
Persons to be released early must not present undue risk to
society when on parole, and their release must contribute to the rehabilitation
and reintegration of the inmates into society as law-abiding citizens.
In his address at the combined 154th and 155th recruit
correctional officers’ courses pass-out parade held at ZPCS Ntabazinduna
Training School recently, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said that in liaison
with ZPCS, the ministry is reviewing policies and regulations in line with the
provisions of the new Act.
“This will positively see the effective implementation of
the parole system and establishment of community correctional centres, among
other aspects. These programmes are crucial in advancing the reintegration
process and also assisting in reducing overcrowding in correctional
facilities,” he said.
Minister Ziyambi added that ZPCS is leaving nothing to
chance to address challenges faced by inmates and ex-inmates in their passage
to reintegration into society.
He said ZPCS has initiated a bid to facilitate the
establishment of a foundation aimed at addressing these challenges.
“Through stakeholder involvement, the foundation will
provide support programmes and mobilise resources necessary for the successful
implementation of reintegration initiatives. As a Ministry, we are fully behind
this ingenuity and will ensure that the vision becomes a reality.”
He noted that it was also vital to make concerted efforts
and continue fostering regional collaboration among neighbouring correctional
services to holistically enhance successful reintegration.
“I, therefore, urge all correctional services in Africa to
fully use the African Correctional Services Association in order to propel
exchange programmes for mutual benefit towards successful reintegration. It is
our belief that African problems should be solved by African solutions.”
Speaking at the same ceremony, ZPCS Commissioner-General
Moses Chihobvu said the enactment of the
new Act had empowered ZPCS to bolster its efforts in the rehabilitation and
reintegration of inmates.
By focusing on rehabilitation over punishment, the new
legislation aims to strengthen the furnishing of former inmates with the
requisite skills and support for successful re-entry to society after serving
their sentences, he said.
“Reintegration is crucial not only for the personal growth
of released inmates but also for enhancing public safety and reducing
recidivism rates. When ex-offenders are provided with access to education,
employment opportunities, and social services, they are more likely to become
contributing members of society.”
He noted that the holistic approach fosters a sense of
belonging and encourages positive citizenship, ultimately strengthening the
fabric of the nation.
He said through effective reintegration efforts, ZPCS
sought to transform lives and promote a more inclusive and resilient society.
Herald
Dr Dotito 
Nhunzvatunzva 
