Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
BEITBRIDGE Prison requires urgent modernisation and expanded infrastructure to support the Second Republic’s shift from incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has said.
He made the remarks during a visit to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service facility on Monday, where he toured various departments and donated paint on behalf of the Beitbridge community.
The Minister was received by the Officer Commanding Beitbridge Prison, Superintendent Onai Chimujakazi, senior officers, Government officials and representatives of the local business community.
“Today (yesterday) I came to visit the ZPCS facility to gain insights into the challenges and to donate paint on behalf of the Beitbridge community,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“I was impressed by what I have seen on the ground. I wasn’t aware that they are making garments for all prisoners in Matabeleland South, although they have a small facility.
“It is small, but it needs more support.”
Minister Nguluvhe commended the prison’s agricultural projects, describing them as productive and impactful.
He said inmates were producing enough food for their own consumption, with surplus produce being sold on the local market, although current demand could not absorb all the output.
Minister Nguluvhe also acknowledged support from the private sector, particularly businessman Mr Charles Mulowa, who donated breeding pigs to kick-start livestock projects at the institution.
Mr Mulowa, together with other stakeholders, handed over an initial consignment of 200 litres of paint for the refurbishment of the prison and pledged continued support for the project.
“I also want to thank the Second Republic for the reforms in our prison system, from incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration.
“The implementation here is comprehensive and impressive. I believe these people could learn a lot and reintegrate when they are discharged,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
The visit, he said, had highlighted the need for greater investment in practical training infrastructure, including larger workshops where inmates could acquire marketable skills before release.
“This was a smart move by the Second Republic. These prisoners need empowerment space, especially by making sure we have big workshops for rehabilitation skills here so that they learn more practical skills,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe pledged to donate 50 road-runner chickens to support prison agricultural projects and said the business community had already bought a gas cylinder for the prison kitchen while mobilising additional resources to assist the institution.
The prison, which was built in 1956, is now outdated and no longer adequately meets modern correctional standards.
Minister Nguluvhe said there was a need for a new administration block, additional ablution facilities and improved accommodation for staff to enhance morale and operational efficiency.
In his briefing, Supt Chimujakazi said operations at Beitbridge Prison were guided by three pillars — incarceration, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said the institution was working towards aligning with modern correctional standards but required long-term support to sustain and expand its programmes.
“Currently, we are housing 287 inmates against a carrying capacity of 200. Of these, 181 are convicted males, 24 are convicted females, seven are convicted migrants, two are unconvicted migrants, 66 are unconvicted males, and five are unconvicted females,” said Supt Chimujakazi.
“The overcrowding situation improved following the amnesty granted by the Government in 2025, which helped decongest the facility.
“So far, we have sufficient food stocks, adequate medication and a vibrant clinic, and health conditions have improved significantly.”
Supt Chimujakazi said cases of diseases such as TB had gone down due to better sanitation and health interventions.
He also pleaded for a workshop to train inmates in various trades and revealed that community members had been volunteering their time to teach different skills.
On behalf of the business community, Mr Mulowa welcomed the Minister’s commitment and pledged continued support for the prison’s agriculture, skills training and infrastructure development initiatives.
“A modernised Beitbridge Prison would not only improve conditions for inmates and staff, but would also strengthen the town’s broader development agenda,” said Mr Mulowa.
