ZPCS doing well

EDITOR — The work done by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) should be applauded.

Firstly, convicts are punished to teach them a lesson so they realise the folly of their ways.

In addition, imprisonment serves as a warning to others that crime does not pay.

ZPCS shows that prisoners are not to be condemned, but to be given a new chance in life after serving their time. The major activity by ZPCS is rehabilitation as a way of reforming the criminals.

Our prisoners are rehabilitated with skills that may become useful to both the criminals and the communities upon release from jail. Despite the fact that the ZPCS is financially and materially constrained, they are still making a visible effort.

Some are even getting academic qualifications in prison, which provides a good starting place for them upon release.

I am not saying going to prison is a good thing, but our criminal justice system is a preventive measure against those who are criminally inclined so that they keep their behaviour in check. Convicted persons get penalties ranging from warnings, community service, fines, imprisonment to capital punishment.

The ZPCS must be applauded for its commitment to achieving a crime-free society. Pardon Makunike, Zimre Park, Harare.