Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) in Matabeleland South has launched a community engagement initiative aimed at bridging the gap between society and inmates, as part of efforts to improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-convicts.
As part of the initiative, Gwanda Prison inmates have been actively participating in clean-up campaigns and drug awareness programmes in local schools, alongside ZPCS officers.
The engagement exercise, which took place in Gwanda’s Central Business District (CBD) last week, seeks to demonstrate that inmates can contribute positively to society even during incarceration.
Speaking after the clean-up exercise, ZPCS acting Officer Commanding Matabeleland South, Assistant Commissioner Sema Mbanje, stressed the crucial role that communities play in the rehabilitation process of inmates.
She said ex-convicts often struggle to find acceptance in society due to the negative attitudes they face after their release hence the engagement exercise is designed to bring inmates closer to the community.
Asst Comm Mbanje said despite being incarcerated, inmates can still make positive contributions to development.
“We have seen it fit to carry out this exercise as it plays a crucial role in assisting us to fulfil our mandate of rehabilitation and reintegration. We are moving around with inmates as they clean the streets and do other social responsibility work,” she said.
Asst Comm Mbanje said for ZPCS to have a successful re-integration of inmates back into society, they need to incorporate the society.
“Our focus is no longer within the walls but we need the involvement of the community and other stakeholders. We want people to understand that once a person has been released from prison they will no longer be a convict, hence the need for forgiveness and re-integration,” she said.
“This is critical for people to understand because sometimes the community takes the law into their hands by attacking an ex-convict thereby committing an offence themselves.”
Asst Comm Mbanje Asst warned that failing to reintegrate ex-convicts could drive them back into criminal activities, believing they no longer have a place in society.
Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, who took part in the clean-up exercise, praised ZPCS for its commitment to rehabilitating inmates.
He said the municipality is prepared to support former inmates in their business ventures once they are released.
“Prison is not the end, but rather the beginning of a refined life. I encourage the community to stop discriminating against ex-convicts and to support their reintegration. As a municipality, we will provide any necessary support to empower and capacitate former inmates,” said Ald Moyo.
He noted that many inmates possess valuable skills that can contribute to the nation’s economic goals, particularly in attaining Vision 2030.
“The prison has people with expertise in various fields and we need their contribution in attaining Vision 2030. I urge the community of Gwanda to do away with the discrimination of inmates.–@DubeMatutu
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