Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
FIVE officers from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) are undergoing a two-week specialised training programme in China focusing on cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime and other emerging security threats as Zimbabwe and China continue to deepen cooperation in law enforcement and institutional capacity building.
The officers are among a 24-member Zimbabwean delegation comprising representatives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the judiciary and other security institutions attending the programme at the Criminal Investigation Police University of China (CIPUC) in Shenyang.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the programme is designed to equip participants with advanced investigative techniques, digital security skills and modern approaches to tackling increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.
Leading the ZPCS delegation is Commissioner Alvord Gapare, accompanied by Chief Correctional Officer Rukudzo Moyo, Chief Correctional Officer Rutendo Shylyn Mudarikwa, Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Patrick Gombwe and Correctional Officer Grade Two Munkombwe Luzibo.
Speaking on the sidelines of the training, Commissioner Gapare expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government and the Criminal Investigation Police University of China for hosting the programme, while also thanking the Government of Zimbabwe for selecting the officers.
“We came here to learn how advanced systems work. Our task is to take those systems back and apply them in our prisons,” he said.
Commissioner Gapare said rapid technological advancement had fundamentally changed the nature of crime, making continuous professional development essential for correctional services.
“Crime has changed. Technology has changed how offenders communicate and plan. If we do not change how we train and how we operate, we will fall behind,” he said.
He said the knowledge acquired during the programme would enhance prisoner management systems, strengthen security within correctional institutions and reinforce compliance with the law and international standards governing the treatment of inmates.
“As correctional officers we must uphold the law and uphold the rights of inmates. That means order in prisons and dignity for those in our custody. This programme gives us tools to do both,” said Commissioner Gapare.
He also welcomed the participation of officers drawn from different arms of the criminal justice system, saying the integrated training approach would improve coordination among institutions responsible for combating crime.
“When police, courts and prisons train together we understand each other’s work. That improves the whole-of-government response to crime. I expect that the knowledge from these two weeks will translate into better service delivery in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The training programme covers digital forensics, intelligence analysis, cybercrime investigations, counter-terrorism strategies and the management of high-risk offenders.
Officials said the initiative forms part of expanding cooperation between Zimbabwe and China aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, facilitating skills transfer and enhancing collaboration in addressing emerging security threats while promoting peace, stability and sustainable development.
