PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged prison officers to be disciplined and uphold human rights principles when handling inmates in the course of their duties.
Mnangagwa made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 749 prison officers at Ntabazinduna training depot in Matabeleland North.
“I therefore challenge you, as new officers, to nurture the values of patriotism, loyalty, discipline and unity. Lectures and presentations undertaken during your course on constitutionalism and human rights should form the bedrock of your humane treatment of inmates in spite of their rights being withdrawn," Mnangagwa said.
Mnangagwa said the recently enacted Prisons and Correctional Service Act will transform the country's prisons and correctional system in accordance with global standards.
"I urge you, therefore, to always adhere to the policies and procedures as directed by the newly enacted Prisons and Correctional Service. I am confident that the new Prisons and Correctional Service Act will transform the country's prisons and correctional system in line with international best practices,” he said.
Mnangagwa said some of the notable provisions of the Act emphasise the need to reinforce and upscale the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates as well as the establishment of Correctional Community Centres throughout the country.
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He said the Act also provides opportunities for the inclusion of inmates in decision making processes on issues that affect their welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Regarding the establishment of mutually beneficial relations with other Correctional Services, it is praiseworthy that the ZPCS is conducting reciprocal benchmarking visits with countries in the SADC Region and beyond. Relations must be strengthened because sharing experiences and best practice help enhance and improve the management of our prisons and correctional facilities,” Mnangagwa said.
"To date, we have since approved the construction of modern and state of the art correctional facilities in Gwanda, Matabeleland South and Hurungwe in Mashonaland West provinces respectively."