adminTwenty-one prisoners, including one female, have escaped from correctional facilities countrywide since the beginning of 2014 due to negligence of guards who now face disciplinary action.
Figures from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services show that 16 escapes were recorded over the same period last year.
Seventeen inmates were recaptured after the number of escapees surged to 34 in October. This year, some prisoners have escaped while being escorted by guards. The only female Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison inmate to flee evaded guards in a bush where she and other prisoners were collecting firewood.
ZPCS spokesperson Chief Superintendent Elizabeth Banda said prison authorities had activated additional surveillance and security systems, and officers found guilty of negligence would face stern disciplinary action – including dismissal.
“Ordinarily, prisoners do not like to be in prison hence if an opportunity arises they capitalise and make good their escape… In some instances, negligence of our officers escorting prisoners has resulted in prisoners escaping.
“Officers-in-charge continue to remind officers to be vigilant in order to prevent escapes while prisoners are subjected to appropriate security measures and fair treatment.
“We also have counselling initiatives by the rehabilitation branch in order to assist prisoners to accept incarceration and avoid denial.”
Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender chief executive officer Mr Edison Chihota said prison officers could not be blamed entirely as inmates naturally did not want to be incarcerated.
“On the other hand, prison officers can be blamed because they tend to create relationships with inmates, making it easier for inmates to capitalise and escape.”
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter