Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke-Herald Correspondent
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared that drug and substance abuse will not be tolerated within the ranks of Zimbabwe’s uniformed forces.
He said this at the joint Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) pass-out parade for courses 156 and 157 at Ntabazinduna Training Depot in Matabeleland North Province on Saturday.
President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said the scourge of drugs posed a direct threat to the moral fabric, stability and productivity of the nation.
He stressed that the security sector must set the highest standards of discipline and moral conduct.
The President said officers, young people and communities at large had a responsibility to resist and reject drug abuse.
President Mnangagwa, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said the scourge of drugs posed a direct threat to the moral fabric, stability and productivity of the nation.
“My Government remains resolute in combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse, particularly among our young people. This menace undermines the moral fibre and productivity of our society,” he said.
“Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no room within our Security Services for those who indulge in or promote such destructive behaviour.
“The nation looks up to you to preserve peace, stability and public safety. I therefore urge all officers as well as the youth, to shun drug and substance abuse in all its forms.”
As the newly graduated correctional officers prepared to assume their national duties, President Mnangagwa reminded them of the weight and dignity of the profession they were entering.
“Today, you take up the noble calling of serving your motherland, Zimbabwe. Diligently serve with integrity, with fairness, with humility and with passion,” he said.
“Uphold justice, safeguard human dignity and remain loyal to the ideals of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa said the character of a correctional officer must be rooted in Zimbabwean values.
“These efforts reflect our deep appreciation of the critical role that civil servants play in advancing our national vision and building a prosperous Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa said the character of a correctional officer must be rooted in Zimbabwean values.
“Your service must always reflect the spirit of Ubuntu/Unhu and the values of unity, peace and patriotism which define us as Zimbabweans.”
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has said his administration is advancing the establishment of community correctional centres that will provide non-custodial alternatives for selected offenders.
These centres, he said, will play a crucial role in rehabilitation and reducing inmate congestion.
“This December, the Government is advancing the establishment of community correctional centres which provide non-custodial alternatives for selected inmates. These centres will promote rehabilitation within communities while easing congestion in our correctional facilities,” said the President.
He commended the ZPCS for strengthening co-operation with regional institutions through its staff college, which continues to train officers from across Southern Africa.
“I would like to commend the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for maintaining and strengthening regional cooperation through its staff college, which continues to train officers from regional institutions.”
The President added that next month, Zimbabwe will host a landmark meeting on prisoner rehabilitation systems.
“This December will see the hosting of the inaugural Zimbabwe Parole System Conference, which is expected to be attended by regional partners,” he said.
