Govt pays tribute to support give to prison services

The government has paid tribute to the support rendered to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) by the civic and church organisations in addressing challenges encountered in the rehabilitation and re-integration of prisoners.

In a speech read on his behalf at the Prisons Day commemorations ceremony held at Gwanzura stadium by his Deputy Fortune Chasi, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Emmerson Mnangagwa stressed the need for a coordinated approach in getting rid of societal stigma on released inmates.

Minister Mnangagwa said government remains indebted to the support given to the ZPCS in addressing challenges being faced in the rehabilitation and re-integration of prisoners.

Mnangagwa also highlighted the fact that crime reduction has a positive bearing on any country's socio-economic development as expenditure is reduced since the welfare of inmates consumes a considerable portion of the fiscus.

Since the launch of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) on 26 September 2008, it is now traditional that all prisons and correctional services belonging to this body commemorate the Correctional Services Day on the 26th of September every year.

This year's celebrations were held under the theme: 'Rehabilitation of Offenders: A Key to Reduce Recidivism and Successful Social Re-integration.'