Zimbabwe to Introduce Parole System for Prisoners

Zim Now Writer

Government is currently reviewing its policies and regulations to implement a parole system and establish community correctional centers.

This initiative is aimed at addressing the issue of overcrowding in prisons and advancing the reintegration of offenders into society, as announced by Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi.

At a recent combined 154th and 155th recruit correctional officers' pass-out parade at the ZPCS Ntabazinduna Training School, Ziyambi highlighted the importance of these programs. He stated that they would play a key role in decongesting correctional facilities across the country.

"The effective implementation of the parole system, along with the establishment of community correctional centers, will be crucial in advancing the reintegration process and alleviating overcrowding in correctional facilities," Ziyambi said.

Parole is a conditional release of a prisoner before they have completed their full sentence. Under this system, prisoners serve the remaining portion of their sentence outside the prison walls but under strict supervision. The decision to grant parole is determined by a parole board, which evaluates factors such as the inmate's behavior, progress in rehabilitation, and the risk of reoffending.

Parolees are required to comply with specific conditions, such as regular check-ins with a parole officer, maintaining employment, and refraining from engaging in any criminal activity. If these conditions are violated, the parolee may be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.

Alongside the parole system, the government plans to establish community correctional centers. These centers are designed to provide an alternative to traditional incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society.

Offenders may be placed in community correctional centers as part of their parole or probation, allowing them to serve their sentences in a less restrictive environment while receiving the necessary support and supervision.

The establishment of these centers aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons, enhance public safety, and equip offenders with the necessary skills and behaviors to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.