Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, has called for the urgent modernisation of Beitbridge Prison, saying the facility requires expanded infrastructure to support the Second Republic’s shift from incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration.
He made the remarks during a visit to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) facility this week, where he toured various departments and donated paint on behalf of the Beitbridge community.
The minister was received by the Officer in Charge, Superintendent Onai Chimujakazi, senior officers, senior Government officials, and representatives of local businesses.
“Today 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’s small, but it needs more support.”
He also noted with appreciation the prison’s agriculture section, which he described as impressive and productive. The Minister said inmates were producing enough to feed themselves and to sell surplus to the local market, although the current market could not fully absorb all the products.
He also acknowledged support from the private sector, particularly Mr Charles “Terry” Mulowa, who has donated seed pigs to kick-start livestock projects at the institution.
The businessman, along with stakeholders, handed over the first consignment of 200 litres of paint to refurbish the facility, indicating a commitment to continue mobilising for the project to spruce up the whole prison facility.
“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.
He said the visit had confirmed that more investment was needed in practical training infrastructure, and proposed the construction of 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 added.
The minister pledged to donate 50 chickens (road runners) to the prison agriculture projects and said the business community had already bought a gas cylinder to support the prison kitchen and was mobilising more facilities to assist the institution.
Minister Nguluvhe said he had observed that the prison, which was built in 1956, was now outdated and could not adequately meet current correctional standards.
He said there was a need for a new administration block, additional ablution facilities, and improved staff accommodation to boost morale and operational efficiency.
In his briefing, Superintendent Chimujakazi outlined the three pillars guiding operations at Beitbridge Prison, which are incarceration, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said the facility was working to align itself with modern standards, but required long-term support to sustain and expand its farming activities.
“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. In addition, cases of diseases such as TB have gone down due to better sanitation and health interventions.”
Supt Chimujakazi also told the Minister that the institution urgently needs a workshop to train inmates in various trades, and that community members have been volunteering to come in and teach different skills.
He expressed appreciation for the support from the community, saying the uptake of rehabilitation programmes had been positive and that the prison was also assisting with community projects as part of its reintegration mandate.
The Officer in Charge further said plans were underway to build barracks for single officers, noting that accommodation remains limited.
“At the same time we want to appeal for continued partnership with Government, business and residents to ensure the prison fulfils its role of producing rehabilitated citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society upon release,” said Supt Chimujakazi.
A representative of the business community, Mr Mulowa, welcomed the Minister’s commitment and pledged to continue supporting the prison’s agriculture, skills training and infrastructure projects.
“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.
