Lungu for a resilient Correctional Service
THERE can never be a complete Justice system if the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCR) was neglected, President Edgar Lungu said.
President Lungu said it was unfortunate that in the past ZCR received insufficient support from the Government to carry out its mandate effectively.
He said while it was a well-known fact that the ZCE lagged behind in infrastructure development, his Government had uplifted the service.
The President said this when he handed over a fleet of 200 motor vehicles to the ZCR in Kabwe yesterday.
"I am here to demonstrate my Government's resolve and commitment to the affairs of the Zambia Correctional Service as one of the important institutions in the criminal justice system of Zambia," President Lungu said
He said the ZCR now had a highly motivated workforce that would carry out its mandate of rehabilitating offenders and ensuring that national security was not compromised.
Government, he said, had ably supported the ZCS in its role as a gate-keeper in the criminal just system of the country.
President Lungu said the ZCS played an important role in maintaining national security through the provision of the custodial rehabilitation services to offenders.
He said Government was in the process of repealing and replacing the prisons Act cap 97 of 1965 and that the correctional service bill would soon be tabled in Parliament.
Meanwhile President Lungu has directed ZCS Commissioner General, Chisela Chileshe, to promote Charles Trust Mumba, a warder, to the next rank for using his music talent diligently within the Service.
Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo, said the vehicles which were being handed over was a clear demonstration of Government's commitment to addressing the transport challenges.
And Dr Chileshe said the donation was proof that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) was a working government.
Dr Chileshe said the massive support that the Government continued offering to the service had never been seen before in the history of Zambia.