Sundaymail Editor
Precious Manomano
Online Reporter
Zimbabweans have hailed the Government’s decision to introduce the parole system, which will begin in June this year, as a significant step in decongesting the country’s prisons and enhancing the reintegration of inmates into society.
The parole system, which enables inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences under community supervision, aims to facilitate rehabilitation and improve community safety.
Inspired by the successful implementation of similar systems in neighbouring countries like Namibia and Zambia, the Zimbabwean government’s decision is a positive move towards a more progressive and effective correctional system.
Former inmate Margareth Machingura of Dzivarasekwa Extension shared her thoughts on the initiative.
“We are very grateful for the Government’s decision to alleviate congestion in prisons and create pathways for inmates to rejoin society and support their families. Prisons are meant for rehabilitation; hence, we do not doubt that the inmates will not pose any harm to society,” she said.
Mrs Agatha Maruma from Warren Park 1 emphasised the need for a fair and transparent implementation of the parole system.
“From my own experience, inmates are well-rehabilitated while undertaking various courses in prison. When such inmates are released, they often initiate projects that sustain their families and contribute positively to society and the nation at large,” she noted.
Community member Mr Tafara Mhlanga from Waterfalls raised concerns about the selection process, insisting that it needs to be free from corruption.
“The process should mirror the selection of individuals during amnesty. Offenders convicted of serious crimes like murder and rape should be excluded from this initiative. Releasing those guilty of such grave offences could jeopardise community safety,” he argued.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is actively working on enhancing parole systems as part of broader correctional reforms. With the introduction of this new system, Zimbabwe aims to reduce prison overcrowding and facilitate proper rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates into society.
In a recent interview, ZPCS Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu outlined the anticipated benefits of the parole system saying the prison facilities will reduce congestion.
“By implementing a parole system, we can significantly reduce the prison population, alleviating the strain on our correctional facilities. This will improve living conditions for inmates and enhance the overall efficiency of our prison system. Moreover, it provides rehabilitated offenders a chance to reintegrate into society and become productive citizens, benefiting both the individuals and the broader community.”
Online Reporter