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Precious Manomano, Herald Correspondent
In a visionary effort to address the long-standing challenge of overcrowding in Zimbabwe’s prisons, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) is embarking on an ambitious housing project for its staff.
This transformative initiative will leverage 18,100 hectares of land spread across 32 prison farms to construct much-needed housing, underscoring a commitment to improving the welfare of prison staff and reshaping the nation’s correctional system.
The announcement came during a tour of prison facilities in Harare yesterday, led by Acting Commissioner-General Shepherd Mpofu, who was joined by Public Service Commission Chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe.
Acting Comm-Gen Mpofu said that the decision to prioritise staff housing stems from a critical shortage of accommodation, which has created significant challenges for the 14,000 officers currently serving ZPCS.
“We have been recruiting officers. Last year alone, we brought in over 1,600 new recruits to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
“However, the accommodation challenge continues to grow,” said Mpofu, noting that this issue directly impacts the functionality and morale of prison staff.
With the current inmate population standing at 22,000, the imbalance between officers and inmates only compounds the difficulty of maintaining an effective correctional system.
To address this, Acting Comm-Gen Mpofu stressed the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Public Service Commission (PSC), to devise actionable solutions within the next few months.
“We are working tirelessly as ZPCS management to adopt best practices that will alleviate overcrowding in our facilities,” he explained, signalling a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to reform.
One of the core strategies under consideration is the introduction of a parole system, which would allow inmates to complete portions of their sentences within the community.
This innovative approach aims to reduce the strain on prison facilities while fostering rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
“This system not only reduces the inmate population but also promotes rehabilitation, community engagement, and a second chance for offenders to contribute positively to society,” Acting Comm-Gen Mpofu said.
In addition to parole, Acting Comm-Gen Mpofu called for the continuation of the Presidential Amnesty, a measure previously implemented to ease congestion in prisons.
He also pointed to global examples, such as Uruguay and Rwanda, where modern prison infrastructures and forward-thinking policies have significantly improved correctional systems.
“To truly reduce overcrowding, we need more modern prisons that reflect global standards,” he noted, advocating for investment in infrastructure to create dignified and humane facilities for inmates.
Dr Hungwe echoed these sentiments, praising the housing initiative as a strategic move that aligns with the broader goals of improving ZPCS operations.
He urged the organisation to fully utilise its vast assets to generate revenue, which could be reinvested into both staff welfare and broader institutional improvements.
“The assets they hold represent immense potential for revenue generation, which can be harnessed to support the functioning of ZPCS and enhance the overall correctional system,” Dr Hungwe remarked.
This housing project is about more than just bricks and mortar—it is a deliberate effort to create a supportive, empowering environment for prison staff.
Adequate housing is seen as critical to boosting morale, retaining talent, and reducing staff turnover.
By addressing the accommodation crisis head-on, ZPCS aims to strengthen its workforce, whose role is vital in managing the country’s correctional facilities.
Looking ahead, Acting Comm-Gen Mpofu and Dr Hungwe are determined to develop a bankable project by the end of the first quarter of the year.
The plan involves a collaborative partnership that maximises the equity and resources held by both ZPCS and the PSC.
This united effort will not only improve the living and working conditions for staff but also contribute to the long-term goal of alleviating prison overcrowding.
This initiative represents a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s correctional system. By focusing on housing, introducing parole systems, and exploring modern prison designs, ZPCS is charting a path toward meaningful reform.
The ripple effects of these efforts could inspire other nations grappling with similar challenges, positioning Zimbabwe as a leader in progressive correctional practices.
As these initiatives gain momentum, they carry the promise of not just transforming the lives of staff and inmates but also reshaping Zimbabwe’s correctional landscape into one that prioritises dignity, safety, and opportunity for all.
Online Reporter