Kwekwe prison struggles with overcrowding

Kwekwe Prison is operating beyond its approved holding capacity and faces a range of operational challenges, including inadequate staff accommodation, shortages of medical supplies and aging infrastructure, prison authorities have revealed.

The concerns were raised by the Officer-in-Charge of Kwekwe Prison, Superintendent Elliot Maburutse, during the handover of groceries and construction materials donated by Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube.

The donation, sourced from proceeds of the 2026 Midlands Provincial Independence Ball, included mealie-meal, rice, sugar, cooking oil, beans, soap, brooms and cement.

Supt Maburutse said the correctional facility is currently accommodating significantly more inmates than its designated capacity.

"As at this morning, we had 254 inmates against a holding capacity of 192. This means the prison is overcrowded by 62 inmates," he said.

Established in 1910, Kwekwe Prison is the oldest correctional institution in Midlands Province and is classified as a Grade Three prison.

The facility has a staff complement of 128 officers, comprising 74 men and 54 women.

Despite the challenges, Supt Maburutse said staff morale remained high.

"We have a disciplined staff and staff morale is high as a result of the rations we are receiving," he said.

However, he noted that accommodation shortages continue to affect prison officers, with many forced to reside in various suburbs outside the institution.

"We are facing challenges in staff accommodation, with most of our officers residing in different suburbs," he said.

To address the housing shortage, the prison is constructing five accommodation blocks, although demand has already outpaced available space.

"We have five blocks under construction and we are already using them before completion as they require electrification.

"We are also housing officers from training," he said.

Supt Maburutse said inadequate infrastructure remained one of the prison's biggest challenges and called for major renovations or the construction of a new correctional facility.

"Our prison needs renovations. If possible, depending on the availability of land, it will be ideal to construct a new prison complex," he said.

The prison chief also highlighted challenges affecting healthcare services and transport operations.

"We have adequate transport but we face challenges in having the vehicles serviced.

"We also have a shortage of medical supplies for chronic diseases at our clinic," he said.

In addition to managing inmate welfare, the institution continues to conduct awareness programmes targeting inmates, officers and their dependants on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

Despite the operational difficulties, Supt Maburutse said the prison currently has sufficient food stocks to meet inmates' nutritional needs.

"Currently we have adequate food stocks for inmates. Our inmates have eggs for breakfast and chicken during meals, as well as apples and bananas," he said.

He also appealed for support in acquiring new uniforms for inmates, particularly the orange prison attire used within the correctional system.

The donation by Minister Ncube comes as authorities seek to improve living conditions for inmates and working conditions for correctional officers amid increasing pressure on prison infrastructure and resources.