Reintegration of prisoners remains a challenge

OUT of the 900 inmates in Mashonaland Central’s four prisons, only 312 receive family support and visitation as acceptance and reintegration of offenders in society remains a huge challenge.

The Officer Commanding Mashonaland Central Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services Commissioner Charity Gezi hosted a stakeholders conference to find possible areas of collaboration.

The areas included rehabilitation, education, health, infrastructure, farming, business, spirituality, children of inmates, reintegration, community engagement and skills training.

Commissioner Gezi said the conference was an opportunity for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Joint Ventures (JVs) within ZPCS in the rehabilitation of prison inmates for their successful reintegration into the society.

She said they took the opportunity to take prison inmates rehabilitation programmes from within prison walls to the streets, homes, businesses and institutions.

“We have four correctional institutions in the province at Bindura, Guruve, Mazowe and Mt Darwin. We have three farms,” she said.

“Our average prison population is 900 while the holding capacity is 770. The average number of convicted or serving inmates are 600. Our prisons are overcrowded and the infrastructure was built during the colonial era and is now antiquated.

“We have plans to build a modern prison and we will start with Kingstone farm. The 18– 45 years’ age group constitute 94 percent of our population and the average sentence is four years.

“Average inmates’ literacy rate is 20 percent while only 35 percent of our inmates receive family and social support.”

Commissioner Gezi said they have two national examination centres, but they don’t have a library.

“Provincial pass rate statistics for 2020/2021 national examinations are 78 percent for Grade 7, 86 percent Ordinary Level and 83 percent for Advanced Level,” she said.

“It is important to share the responsibility and burden of making our province a better and safer place for living, investing and doing business.”

Representatives from the banking and finance sector, funeral assurance companies, supermarkets and fast food outlets, churches and non-governmental organisations attended.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Monica Mavhunga urged all stakeholders in the province to partner with ZPCS to enhance harmony and for the successful reintegration of offenders back into society.

“With our combined effort we can minimise crimes that are eroding our moral fabric within society. Statistics show that the age group committing crimes, 18-45, is the national productive group,” she said.

“Once our province is free from all forms of disturbances, production will thrive and attract more investors. Our province is endowed with minerals, good climatic conditions and fertile land.

“Take these opportunities and create employment for the youths under the Government’s Vision 2030.”