adminFour were promoted from PPO to chief prison officer (CPO) with two females from Tsholotsho and Gwanda stations being part of the group.
The officer-in-charge of Khami Remand Prison, Assistant Commissioner Elmon Siziba, was promoted from the rank of chief superintendent, while Khami Medium Prison officer-in-charge Superintendent Gift Ncube was promoted from the rank of CPO.
In a speech read on his behalf by ZPS officer commanding Matabeleland region Senior Assistant Commissioner Claydon James Seulah, ZPS Commissioner Paradzai Zimondi challenged the officers to utilise their positions to improve the operations of ZPS and promote its organisational aspirations and policies.
“It should be borne in mind that your promotion comes with increased responsibility and influence vested in it so that you can be able to exercise what you were unable to practise before.
“We expect you to bring with you constructive, innovative and objective ideas to turn around the fortunes of ZPS to greater heights,” said Comm Zimondi.
He reiterated the need for officers to ensure improved food production at ZPS farms so as to reduce dependence on the fiscus.
Comm Zimondi also urged the officers to render quality rehabilitation service to inmates to ensure that they live as productive and law abiding citizens upon their release from
prison.
He challenged the officers to be united, diligent and disciplined in doing their duties.
“As officers who have been vested with more responsibility and authority, continue to work hard and inspire your juniors by exercising good leadership qualities and discipline. You must lead by example and ensure that there is zero tolerance on indiscipline,” said Comm Zimondi.
He commended female officers who have been elevated into positions of authority and pledged that ZPS would continue to promote gender equality within its personnel.
Comm Zimondi said at the moment ZPS has one female officer holding the rank of Snr Asst Comm, one Asst Comm, three chief superintendents, two superintendents, 15 CPOs and 18 PPOs.
“We always believe that female members will be equally good in discharging their duties with their male counterparts. This is a clear testimony that our organisation has faith in our women who continue to be given equal opportunities like their male counterparts on taking supervisory posts,” he said.
Comm Zimondi also paid tribute to Snr Asst Comm Charity Gezi who has been seconded to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.
He said this was testimony that women were capable of assuming leadership roles at the highest levels.
Online Reporter