adminDeputy Commissioner Rho-des Moyo, recently said the there were now 14 000 prisoners in the country’s prisons against a holding capacity of 17 000.
The prisons were at one time holding more than 18 000 inmates.
“The policy of transferring prisoners to less populated prisons across the country has paid huge dividends in ensuring there is no overcrowding,” Deputy Comm Moyo told journalists at the ZPS headquarters in Harare.
He said remand prisons remained overcrowded and living conditions were poor.
“Prisoners in remand cannot be transferred to other prisons, except those within the area they are due for court hearing,” said Deputy Comm Moyo.
He said there had been an improvement in prison services after a financial injection by Treasury.
Diet and health conditions for prisoners had improved following the injection.
“Illegal sanctions have really strained the potential for the ultimate improvement of prisons in Zimbabwe, affecting the prices of goods when we want to buy inputs,” said Deputy Comm Moyo.
“However, this year, so far, we have managed to harvest about 2 200 tonnes (of maize) which is enough for the prisoners around the country,” he said.
ZPS will be commemorating the annual Africa Prisons Day on September 24 at Gwanzura Stadium, where prisoners and prison officers will host members of the public.
Online Reporter