Harare, Zimbabwe – Starting in June this year, Zimbabwe will roll out a new parole system aimed at facilitating the successful reintegration of offenders into society, as announced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS). This significant shift in correctional practices will be implemented with the assistance of regional and international experts, marking a key step in improving the country’s prison system and rehabilitation efforts.
The parole system, which allows prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under supervision, will operate under the oversight of the State Parole Board. This board will evaluate candidates for parole based on their behavior, conduct, self-discipline, and sense of responsibility while incarcerated.
A three-day engagement in Harare, held to discuss the new system, brought together delegates from Zambia, Namibia, and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights to share insights and offer advice on best practices.
“We are convinced that Zimbabwe can implement the parole system successfully and we are ready to assist in the implementation process,” said Ms. Emilige von Zly, a representative from Namibia’s Correctional Service. Her remarks were echoed by participants who expressed optimism about the system’s potential to enhance the country’s correctional framework.
ZPCS Commissioner General Moses Chihobvu believes the parole system will significantly ease the overcrowding issue in Zimbabwe’s prisons, a long-standing challenge for the country. “By implementing a parole system, we can significantly reduce the prison population, thereby alleviating the strain on our correctional facilities. This, in turn, will improve living conditions for inmates and enhance the overall efficiency of our prison system,” Chihobvu explained.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the introduction of parole would give rehabilitated offenders the opportunity to reintegrate into society as productive citizens. “This not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the overall safety and well-being of our communities,” Chihobvu said.
The new system also allows for flexibility in early release decisions. Alongside the State Parole Board, the President, the Commissioner General of Prisons, and the Minister responsible for prisons and correctional services all have the authority to make decisions regarding early release based on specific criteria.
While parole does not equate to full freedom, it does provide a supervised release for eligible prisoners before the completion of their sentence. Those granted parole must comply with specific conditions, and failure to do so may result in their return to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.
