ZPCS set to improve services in 2019

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has targeted improving services in 2019 with the main focus being on improving its transportation system.

In the past, the ZPCS has faced challenges in transporting prisoners to the courts.

Responding to questions asked by journalists during a press conference on their 2019 plans in the capital, Commissioner General of the ZPCS Retired Major General Paradzai Zimondi said the organisation is striving to have world class prisons and effective transport system to fulfil its mandate of meeting international correctional and prisons standards.

“Resources may not allow us to move with the speed that we would want but our  intention is to do away with all old structures that were build during the colonial era and replace them with modern structures to ensure that inmates are safely and securely accommodated,” he said.

On health issues, Deputy Director Health Services Assistant Commissioner Patrick Mhaka revealed there are strategies to manage diseases while conditions will be improved to cater for prisoners with HIV and those suffering from physical and mental illness.

“We wish to come up with a separate HIV and AIDS policy which should be in tandem with the national HIV/AIDS Policy with assistance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” he said.

According to the ZPCS, the national prison population stands at 17 000.

Over 3 000 inmates were released through the Presidential amnesty early this year leaving about 14 000 prisoners but before the end of the year, the number had once again risen to 17 000.

Source – ZBC