ZPCS PARTNERS CHIEF MASUKU TO BOOST OFFENDER REINTEGRATION IN MATABELELAND SOUTH

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Matabeleland South Province has moved to strengthen community support for offender rehabilitation, with senior officers engaging traditional leadership in Gwanda North to promote the reintegration of released inmates.

A ZPCS delegation led by Assistant Commissioner Jabulile Mathema, Deputy Officer Commanding Matabeleland South Province, paid a courtesy call on Chief Masuku at his homestead in Mzimuni this week. The team included senior officers from the provincial headquarters and Gwanda Prison.

Chief Masuku welcomed the visit, describing it as a milestone in relations between security services and the community.

“This is a significant occasion for us, as it strengthens the bond between the security services and our community. We look forward to working together to support rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

Discussions centered on the role of communities in helping ex-offenders rebuild their lives. Provincial Public Relations Officer Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Tikiti Terence outlined ZPCS’s constitutional mandate, its operations, entry qualifications and career opportunities.

Provincial Rehabilitation Coordinator Chief Correctional Officer Mthokozisi Chimbizi appealed to traditional leaders to support released inmates with resources such as cash, materials and land to prevent reoffending.

“Community support is vital for successful reintegration. Ideally it is worthwhile that released inmates may be provided with starter packs to help them rebuild their lives and avoid recidivism,” Chimbizi said.

Asst Comm Mathema said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to work with traditional leaders to fulfill ZPCS’s constitutional mandate.

“Our officers and inmates are part of the community. Engagement with community leaders is crucial to achieving our constitutional mandate of rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders,” Mathema said.

Chief Masuku thanked the delegation, noting that the visit was the first of its kind in the area and had improved community understanding of correctional services.

As a gesture of goodwill, the delegation donated groceries including rice, sugar, mealie-meal and washing powder, as well as a wheelbarrow to Chief Masuku’s homestead.

ZPCS officials said they will continue similar engagements with other traditional leaders across Matabeleland South to create an enabling environment for offender rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

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