Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe is committed to comprehensive correctional reform through the establishment of modern, humane, technologically-driven and development-oriented institutions, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He made these remarks at the inaugural African Parole Conference in Harare, which runs until Thursday.
VP Chiwenga said a contemporary, evidence-driven approach to parole will help alleviate long-standing overcrowding issues in correctional facilities.
The conference gathers heads of correctional services from across the continent, alongside senior correctional officers, policymakers, and legal experts focusing on penal reform.
It is convened under the theme, “Advancing restorative justice: Strengthening parole system for safer and rehabilitated societies – An African perspective with global collaboration.”
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe has undertaken a thorough review of its penal laws, culminating in the promulgation of the Prisons and Correctional Service Act.
“In light of these foundational principles, the Republic of Zimbabwe stands at a critical turning point in its national correctional reform journey,” he said.
“We remain steadfastly committed to the establishment of correctional institutions that are modern, humane, technologically-driven, and development-oriented.
“As we aspire to attain upper-middle-income status, we are compelled to advance systems that uphold human dignity, strengthen community safety, and actively support offender rehabilitation; all of which serve the paramount interest of sustainable national development.”
VP Chiwenga noted that this modern, evidence-based approach to parole will strategically assist in decongesting correctional facilities, many of which have been long burdened by overcrowding.
For decades, Zimbabwe’s parole system was limited in scope, primarily serving as relief for inmates with terminal illnesses.
The new Act introduces a structured and progressive parole framework designed to promote rehabilitation, successful reintegration, and enhanced public safety under the oversight of a State Parole Board.
VP Chiwenga said this expanded parole system is essential for supporting offenders to permanently abandon criminal behaviours and successfully reintegrate as productive and law-abiding citizens.
“When rehabilitation succeeds, the dividends are immediate and measurable; namely, communities become safer, families regain stability, and social cohesion is strengthened.
“This successful social infrastructure creates an enabling environment necessary for accelerated economic growth,” he said
In addition to legislative reforms, VP Chiwenga announced the establishment of the Pathways to Reintegration Foundation, scheduled for launch in 2026.
This institutional initiative is designed to provide structured post-release support to transitioning offenders.
VP Chiwenga reiterated that the Government is prioritising the development of smart prisons and modern correctional infrastructure.
“We are currently engaged in a systematic national process of constructing new, purpose-built prison facilities, extensively rehabilitating existing ones, and incorporating advanced digital technologies to strengthen offender management,” he noted.
The VP also stressed the importance of collaboration, saying it is essential to recognise the value of continental and global collaboration.
He urged all correctional services institutions across Africa to make full and strategic use of established platforms, such as the African Correctional Services Association and the International Corrections and Prisons Association.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Dr Moses Chihobvu, attend yesterday’s session.
Minister Ziyambi reiterated the urgent need for comprehensive reform of correctional facilities that were established during the colonial era, emphasising their inadequacies.
