Mnangagwa hails reoriented correctional system

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the importance of rehabilitated inmates in driving Zimbabwe's national development, praising the Second Republic's shift toward a correctional system centred on empowerment, reintegration and meaningful social impact.

Addressing the joint Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) pass-out parade for courses 156 and 157 at Ntabazinduna Training Depot, the President said the introduction of the parole system and establishment of community correctional centres mark major milestones in modernising the country's rehabilitation framework.

"Under the Second Republic, we have witnessed a significant reorientation of the correctional philosophy towards a system grounded in empowerment, positive change, purpose and impact," he said. "This approach affirms the belief of my Administration that every Zimbabwean has a role to play in building our motherland. Inmates, once rehabilitated, must do their part; no one and no place is being left behind."

Mnangagwa said the expanded parole system would benefit deserving inmates who demonstrate genuine reform. Zimbabwe is set to host its inaugural national parole conference in December, a platform expected to shape a framework balancing justice, rehabilitation and community safety.

He noted that government is also stepping up the creation of Community Correctional Centres to offer non-custodial options for selected offenders. These centres are intended to promote rehabilitation within communities while easing congestion in conventional prisons.

The President commended the evolving mandate of ZPCS, which now extends beyond custodial duties to include rehabilitation, correction and reintegration in keeping with the Constitution and international best practices.

Mnangagwa also expressed satisfaction with the diverse skills reflected in the graduating cohort. Among the 1,195 new officers were lawyers, psychologists and artisans-expertise he said would strengthen the rehabilitation system and enhance the fairness and efficiency of correctional operations.

"Lawyers will play a critical role in providing expert guidance on legal and humanitarian matters," he said. "Artisans will be vital in infrastructure modernisation and in teaching inmates vocational skills that enable their reintegration as productive citizens."

He reiterated government's commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of all civil servants, including ZPCS officers, emphasising their central role in nation-building.

Turning to the growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, President Mnangagwa issued a stern warning to members of the security services, saying the nation relied on them to uphold peace and stability. He said there was "no room" in the defence and security sector for individuals involved in drug-related activities.

The President also congratulated ZPCS Commissioner-General Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu for his appointment to the Board of the International Corrections and Prisons Association-a recognition he said underscores Zimbabwe's increasing influence in global correctional networks. He urged ZPCS to use international platforms to forge partnerships that support modernisation efforts.

The joint pass-out parade saw 1,195 officers (807 men and 157 women) graduating after six months of training. Mnangagwa encouraged the new officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and integrity as they join the ranks of Zimbabwe's correctional service.