Story by Peter Chivhima
A new parole system is set to be introduced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) starting June this year, marking a pivotal shift towards supporting offenders in their transition back into society.
ZPCS will implement the system in collaboration with regional and international experts.
The parole system is a conditional release of prisoners from custody, allowing them to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under supervision.
To discuss the modalities and gain insights, a three-day engagement was held in Harare, featuring delegates from Zambia, Namibia, and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights.
“We are convinced that Zimbabwe can implement the parole system and we are ready to assist in the implementation process,” Ms Emilige von Zly from Namibia’s Correctional Service said.
The new parole system will operate under the State Parole Board, which will evaluate inmates based on criteria such as good conduct, self-discipline and responsibility.
“I am eager to apply the knowledge gained from this engagement to help establish an effective parole system in our country. I am confident that it will have a positive impact on our correctional system as a whole,” a participant said.
ZPCS Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu believes the parole system will significantly reduce overcrowding in local prisons.
“By implementing a parole system, we can significantly reduce the prison population, thereby alleviating the strain on our correctional facilities. This, in turn, will improve living conditions for inmates and enhance the overall efficiency of our prison system.
“Furthermore, a parole system will provide an opportunity for rehabilitated offenders to reintegrate into society and become productive citizens once again. This not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the overall safety and well-being of our communities.”
Decisions regarding the early release of an inmate can also be made by the President, the Commissioner General of Prisons, or the Minister responsible for prisons and correctional service.
The parole system aims to help prisoners reintegrate into society and ease the burden on the prison system.
Parole is not a full release from a sentence, but rather a supervised release before the full term is served.
While on parole, a prisoner must adhere to specific conditions or risks returning to prison for violations.
If a parolee violates the conditions of their parole, they can be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.
