Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
PRISONS across Zimbabwe are grappling with overcrowding with Harare Central Prison, which has a capacity of 1,128 inmates, currently housing 2,899 individuals.
A parole initiative aims to balance public safety with rehabilitation opportunities, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.
Commissioner Christmas Tarwira, responsible for corrections at ZPCS, addressed the media yesterday, emphasising that the selection of inmates eligible for parole has already started.
“Prison cannot work alone in the rehabilitation process.
“We are opening more avenues to engage the community with our stakeholders, including traditional and church leaders.
“This year, we are increasing the number of family days, which allows us to assess the communication between inmates and their families and helps us connect with them for reintegration purposes.
“Our engagement with stakeholders and industry leaders is aimed at empowering former inmates and helping them view prison as a place for personal growth.”
As part of their rehabilitation strategy, the ZPCS is actively engaging with community leaders, traditional authorities and church representatives to facilitate the reintegration of these inmates.
Among those benefiting from these initiatives is Tinashe Kamunakwenje, 27, who is serving a 12-year sentence for rape.
“I have served four years now and the officers are helping shape my future.
“I participated in the 2024 Starbrite music competition and won, though I am still awaiting my award.”
Another inmate, Agrippa Murimba, 23, a former Black Rhinos and Manica Diamonds goalkeepr, is part of the prison football team.
“I want to thank ZPCS for allowing us to engage with football players from outside.
“They visit us and we play soccer together, which will help me maintain good relationships after my release.
“I regret stealing a vehicle in 2017, especially since I had just received my own car from Manica Diamonds Football Club.”
He is currently serving a 22-year sentence for car theft.
Meanwhile, the ZPCS has also begun distributing red prison uniforms, previously designated for death row prisoners, to all inmates.
The death penalty was recently abolished.
Mathew Masinge