Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
REGULATIONS under the new Prisons and Correctional Service Act are being finalised to ensure the framework is scientifically grounded and aligned with international best practices, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has said.
He said this in closing remarks at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Parole Conference in Harare yesterday, which were delivered by his Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services counterpart Tatenda Mavetera.
Minister Ziyambi reiterated the Government’s commitment to embedding robust supervision, data-driven decision-making and phased release into operational structures.
He acknowledged complexities involved in reforming the parole system and said over the past four days, the warmth of Harare had been matched by the intellectual energy within the conference.
“We, however, have transitioned from the shared vision of reform to the meticulous blueprint of its execution, engaging in a dialogue that is not merely academic, but deeply rooted in the practical realities of correctional administration across our diverse region and continent.
“Our deliberations have produced a shared understanding, distilled into four guiding principles that will shape our reform agenda going forward.”
Minister Ziyambi explained that parole decisions must move beyond subjectivity, adding that adopting advanced risk assessment tools ensures objectivity.
The use of these tools will provide measurable insights into offender behaviour, strengthen predictive capacity and uphold the integrity of parole decisions by anchoring them in evidence rather than discretion.
Another principle focuses on the need for structured supervision and community support.
Minister Ziyambi said reintegration requires this structured supervision, with the transition from incarceration to full citizenship needing careful management.
Effective supervision should balance accountability with respect for autonomy, fostering trust between parole officers and offenders.
Community intervention programmes are also essential for creating supportive environments for parolees.
A third principle emphasises the importance of accountability and legal integrity.
Minister Ziyambi said these are paramount values and that confidence in the correctional system depends on procedural fairness.
“Mechanisms such as tiered appeals and High Court reviews illustrate the importance of strong legal safeguards.
“In this respect, it should be underscored that every parole decision is subject to legal scrutiny. This precaution ensures that constitutional rights, human dignity and protection from degrading treatment are upheld without compromise at all times.
“Last but not least, we have observed that systemic interconnection and adequate resources are indispensable to the successful implementation of parole.”
Minister Ziyambi noted that reform cannot happen in isolation and that law enforcement, rehabilitation services and community actors must work together.
The minister said while this collaboration may sound straightforward, it demands resources, funding for rehabilitation programmes, specialised training for parole officers and sustained institutional support.
ZPCS Commissioner-General Dr Moses Chihobvu highlighted that the conference affirmed that the pathway to a credible parole system rests on professionalism, integrity and innovation within correctional services.
He stressed the need for training officers to effectively implement the parole system and noted that the conference provided ZPCS with a platform to learn from regional counterparts.
