adminTanaka Mahanya
CORRECTIONAL services chiefs from neighbouring countries have hailed the country’s prison system and rehabilitation programmes aimed at empowering inmates.
Speaking during a tour of Chikurubi Prison Farm yesterday, Namibian Correctional Services Commissioner General, Raphael Hamunyela, said empowering inmates prepares them for life after prison.
“I am happy that I managed to come and learn, although this is not my first time coming here.
“I have also learnt that there is a prison farm, which helps feed prisoners, and generates income.
“When I go back, we are going to start with a fish pond because I have realised the importance of farming.
“We are also going to start producing our own chickens so that we can feed our inmates.”
He said empowering inmates, through projects and innovations, plays an important part in the growth of the economy.
“Yesterday, I was at a facility where an inmate was sampling a motorbike as a way of preparing them with skills for when they leave jail.”
Eswatini Correctional Services Deputy Commissioner General, Vusi Kunene, concurred with Comm Gen Hamunyela saying, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Comm Gen Moses Chihobvu, is passionate about empowering inmates.
“He is not only providing them with skills, but with certificates which they can use in the SADC region.
“I am also happy that the vocational training skills taught in agriculture, fish farming and animal husbandry are done in a professional manner, making sure that there is self-sustainability.
“This ensures that prisons do not rely on Government funds because they can live on what they produce.
“Inmates are released better people as compared to when they were admitted,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter