Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the government remains resolute on combating drug and substance abuse, as he reiterated that there is no room for those who abuse drugs within the uniformed forces.
This weekend saw a pass-out parade of over one thousand correction officers of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service at their Ntabazinduna training school in Matabeleland North Province.
The Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, used the platform to remind the uniformed forces that drug and substance abuse will not be tolerated within their rank and file.
“On another critical note, my government remains resolute in combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse, particularly among our young people. This menace undermines the moral fibre and productivity of our society. Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no room within our security services for those who indulge in or promote such destructive behaviour. The nation looks up to you to preserve peace, stability, and public safety. I therefore urge all officers, as well as youth, to shun drug and substance abuse in all its forms,” he said.
As the new recruits get ready to take up their new posts, the head of state implored them to uphold justice and safeguard human dignity.
“To the new correctional officers, today you take up a noble calling of serving your nation. Diligently serve with integrity, fairness, humility, and compassion. Uphold justice, safeguard human dignity, and remain loyal to the ideals of our great nation. Your service must always reflect the spirit of Ubuntu/uhunhu, and the values of unity, peace, and patriotism that define us as Zimbabweans,” President Mnangagwa noted.
Focusing on the country’s correctional facilities, President Mnangagwa said the government is advancing the setting up of centres which will ensure rehabilitation is also conducted within communities.
“The government is also advancing the establishment of community correctional centres, which provide non-custodial alternatives for selected inmates. These centres will promote rehabilitation within communities, while easing congestion on correctional facilities. On exchange programmes, I would like to commend the ZPCS for maintaining and strengthening regional cooperation through its staff college, which continues to train officers from regional institutions,” he added.
This December, will see the hosting of the inaugural Zimbabwe parole system conference, which is expected to be attended by correctional services from across Africa.
