Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Reporter
ZIMBABWE Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has set in motion plans to construct a maternity facility at the newly opened Marondera Female Open Prison.
The open prison was officially opened last month and is the first of its kind in the region.
Under the facility, prisoners are allowed 14-day home visits per quarter and they are not supervised while at home, but they are obliged to communicate to the authorities if need arises.
And ZPCS spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi said under such a set-up, it cannot be overlooked that some women will fall pregnant.
“The facility will accommodate expecting mothers and provide a safe environment for newborn babies,” she said.
“In an open prison there are chances that women will fall pregnant because they are allowed to visit their homes hence the need for a maternity ward.
“…plans to construct the maternity block are already in motion. Such unique privileges will go a long way in keeping inmates’ marriages and families intact. It will also make it easy for them to reintegrate into society,” added Supt Kkanyezi.
Currently there are 30 women housed at the open prison, but the carrying capacity can go up to 500 inmates. For one to qualify, the inmates would have committed unclassified offences.
Online Reporter