Prisons officers graduate

News
A TOTAL of 46 officers of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) graduated in a prison management course at a function held last Friday at Ntabazinduna Prisons Training School.

A TOTAL of 46 officers of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) graduated in a prison management course at a function held last Friday at Ntabazinduna Prisons Training School. PATIENCE RATAMBWA OWN CORRESPONDENT

The graduands, comprising 22 females and 24 males, are all commissioned officers ranging from the rank of principal prison officer to assistant commissioner and were drawn from ZPCS’s four administrative regions.

In his speech, ZPCS Commissioner- General Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi said it was heart-warming that there had been an effort to ensure gender equity in the distribution of training opportunities for the course.

He pleaded with the graduands to shun corruption as this could blot the service’s reputation.

“As you leave this institution, I encourage you to turn away from corruption as it does not only put the service into disrepute, but also negates the country’s socio-economic development,” the ZPCS boss said.

“I, therefore, implore you as officers to remain disciplined, exemplary and be the shining stars on zero tolerance to corruption.”

The curriculum, Zimondi said, was designed to shape the course participants into vigilant, professional and competent officers from both sexes geared to provide proficient services to the organisation.

Chief Prisons Officer Solomon Mutamba said he was elated at the graduation.

“These graduands are professionals and have finished their eight-month course that will help with the rehabilitation of inmates for their return to society,” he said.

“Every prison officer must be educated on the rehabilitation of prisoners, and the community as well because we are all potential inmates.”

Three participants are said to have failed to complete the course as two male students fell ill and one female officer was withdrawn due to indiscipline.