Londile Moyo
Tanaka Nkala [email protected]
A TOTAL of 732 Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officers graduated with certificates on Thursday following the successful completion of internal development courses at Ntabazinduna Training School.
ZPCS Commissioner General Dr Cyril Chihobvu presided over the colourful event, which marks a significant step in strengthening operational capacity and professionalism in the organisation.
He acknowledged the occasion was a milestone in the service’s ongoing commitment to training and human capital development.
The graduates comprised 565 males and 167 female officers drawn from all 10 administrative provinces and the national headquarters, reflecting what Comm Gen Chihobvu described as a “Whole of Service Approach” to their training.
The approach promotes co-ordination, uniform standards and cohesion across the ZPCS. In his address, Comm Gen Chihobvu emphasised that training remains the cornerstone of institutional growth, producing disciplined, competent and visionary officers capable of driving the Service forward.
“This graduation represents a deliberate and strategic investment in human capital,” he said
“You are the dividends of that investment and we expect you to translate your knowledge into improved performance at your respective stations.”
Comm Gen Chihobvu also highlighted the Service’s growing regional collaboration, noting that while this was the first time allied participants joined internal courses at non-commissioned officer level, ZPCS has long hosted officers from countries such as Namibia, Zambia and Rwanda at its Staff College in Harare.
He acknowledged the presence of regional counterparts, including a delegation from Eswatini, as a sign of confidence in Zimbabwe’s training programmes.
The officers underwent a wide range of courses designed to enhance both operational and administrative competence.
These included the Conversion Course, Sergeant Major’s Course, Supervisory Management Course, Basic Security Intelligence Course, Basic Instructors Course, Basic Stores Management Course, Provost Traffic Course, Correctional Police Records Course, Junior Investigation Course, Correctional Reaction and Tactics Course and the Radio Communication Operators Course.
The training covered diverse areas such as corrections, rehabilitation, psychology, prison administration, information and communication technology, human rights, health, management and entrepreneurship.
Comm Gen Chihobvu said the broad curriculum was aimed at equipping officers with skills necessary for modern correctional systems.
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He urged the graduates to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism, warning against drug and substance abuse, which he described as a growing global threat that undermines operational effectiveness and public trust.
“Drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption have no place in our organisation. They compromise judgment, weaken teamwork and erode the integrity expected of correctional officers,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Bruce Kadungure, who was named overall best student, described the three-month training period as transformative.
“These months have not just been about acquiring certificates but about growth, empowerment and preparation for the complex duties ahead,” said the officer.
He pledged that as graduates they would uphold discipline, integrity and innovation, positioning themselves as proactive problem solvers and change agents within the Service.
“We will not be passive officers. We will embrace new ideas, promote accountability and contribute to making our stations more efficient and self-reliant,” he said.
The graduation ended with a tree planting ceremony by Comm Gen Chihobvu and representatives from Eswatini, Commissioner of His Majesty’s Correctional Services, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini.
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