CHALLENGE FOR PRISON CHAPLAINS

Arron Nyamayaro

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has challenged prison chaplains to interpret the word of God correctly.

This is meant to change the lives of inmates and officers.

ZPCS Commissioner General, Moses Chihobvu, said chaplains needed to continuously engage with families and individuals to tackle the issue of drug and substance abuse.

He was speaking at the ZPCS Chaplaincy and Community Bible Study Seminar where 125 prison officers were trained over three days.

The programme included chaplains from all 10 prison provinces in the country.

“The training of chaplains is to equip them with knowledge, skills and divine power to help in the rehabilitation of inmates,” said Comm-Gen Chihobvu.

“You are expected to preach peace among prison officers’ families and also be prepared to engage inmates even when they are on fields.

“Do not wait to group them and share the word, but follow them and talk to each one of them.

“Issues of drug and substance abuse must challenge all chaplains to work hard and deal with them through the word of life,” he said.

Comm-Gen Chihobvu hailed the United Methodist Church, and other stakeholders, for supporting the programme.

ZPCS Senior Chaplain, Assistant Commissioner Maurice Muchanyereyi, said they accommodate all religious groups.