ZPCS graduates 732 officers in first joint parade of 2026

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has held its first joint graduation parade of 2026, with a total of 732 officers completing 11 internal training courses at Ntabazinduna Training School.

Addressing guests at the ceremony, Commandant Assistant Commissioner Doreen Sithokozile Shoko commended the graduates for their resilience and commitment during the intensive three-month training programme, which began on January 12 this year.

The officers completed a range of professional courses, including APCO Conversion, Sergeant Majors’ Course, Supervisory Management, Basic Stores Management, Basic Security Intelligence, Basic Traffic Police, ZPCS Police Records, Junior Investigation, Radio Communication Operators’ Course, Basic Instructors’ Course and the Correctional Reaction Tactics Course.

Assistant Commissioner Shoko said human capital development remains central to strengthening the organisation and improving service delivery.

She said equipping officers with relevant skills and practical knowledge enhances operational effectiveness while building public confidence in the correctional system.

“Continuous training ensures that every officer is prepared for both routine duties and emergency situations,” she said.

She added that the organisation is making ongoing efforts to modernise training facilities and update syllabuses to include emerging areas such as digital record management, human rights-based corrections and conflict management.

Of the total graduates, three were allied students from His Majesty’s Correctional Services in the Kingdom of Eswatini, highlighting growing regional cooperation in correctional services training.

Assistant Commissioner Shoko urged the graduates to uphold integrity, apply the knowledge gained during training and contribute meaningfully to national safety and security.

“Go back to your stations and prove that your training has transformed your performance,” she said.

ZPCS Commissioner-General Dr Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu is expected to officiate at the graduation ceremony.