Story by Tafara Chikumira
CELEBRATING milestones achieved in the rehabilitation of offenders at correctional facilities took centre stage during the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Day commemorations across the country.
In the Midlands province, it was a fun-filled event as the ZPCS Midlands team showcased their drilling and musical skills in marking an important day on the national calendar.
The ZPCS Midlands Provincial Command Element is satisfied with the progress made in transforming the institute.
“I must say a lot has happened since we changed to a correctional institution. We are witnessing a lot of innovations from our workshops, as they produce some quality products. Recently, we witnessed one of our inmates becoming the overall winner of First Lady Amai’s traditional cookout competition. We are in the process of setting up a restaurant for him. We can only manage this with help from the corporate world,” Midlands Province Commissioner, Officer Commanding, Somemore Gate said.
The government is equally impressed by the strides in the rehabilitation of offenders.
“The transformation of the ZPCS from a punitive institution to a rehabilitation facility is an issue of national pride. This transformation, which was initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his tenure as the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, is transforming the nation for the better.
“The role of prisons has been transformed to equip prisoners with industrial skills that will help them when they reenter society and be part of Vision 2030,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube noted.
The ZPCS day also witnessed prisons across the province showcasing various products being produced by inmates, which are generating income and set to act as start-ups for inmates upon their release back into society.
