GWERU – A delegation from Rwanda is scheduled to visit Whawha Prison in Gweru to get notes on
programmes aimed at improving prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders into
mainstream society.
Speaking to journalists recently, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Officer
Commanding Midlands, Commissioner Somemore Gate said the Rwandan delegation is expected in
the country “anytime soon”.
“The Rwandan delegation visit Whawha for benchmarking, that is, they are coming to learn from
us,” said Comm. Gate adding that Whawha Prison complex houses Whawha Workshop, Whawha
Medium, and Whawha Young Offenders.
Comm. Gate said Zimbabwe boasts of skilled personnel in prison administration but lacks resources.
He said ZPCS was doing well in the rehabilitation and integration of offenders back into the
community. The Rehabilitation Section is made up of counsellors who talk to both inmates and
families before and after release, for easy integration into society, and to avoid cases of rejection by
the family and society.
Zimbabwe has had exchange visits from other countries in the SADC region, sharing notes on the
administration of prisons.
Zimbabwe has also entered into an agreement with South Africa for the transfer of prisoners to
complete their terms in their home countries.
“We are still talking with other countries for such exchange programmes,” he said.
Most of the foreign prisoners are those arrested for flouting the Immigration Act.
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