Hurungwe Tour

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Revolutionizing Rehabilitation through Sustainable Agriculture

In a landmark visit to Hurungwe Prison Farm in Mashonaland West Province, the Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu, was deeply impressed by the remarkable strides being made in horticulture production and the positive impact on inmate rehabilitation – an effort that has been bolstered by the support of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

During his recent keynote address at the 153rd Recruit Correctional Officers Course Passout Parade, the President promised to support the ZPCS in a number of areas, including food production. Recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency and contributing to the country’s food security, the President pledged to support the ZPCS in its endeavors.

Hurungwe Prison Farm which is situated in Mashonaland West Province under Officer Commanding Commissioner Luke Zondai Makuvire, has become a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of engaging inmates in sustainable agriculture. With an astounding 1.2 million onions, 58,000 cabbages, and a thriving 10-hectare green maize crop, the farm is not only poised to contribute to the country’s food security but also revolutionizing the approach to inmate rehabilitation.

“The challenge we sometimes face is the reintegration of offenders into respective communities,” remarked Commissioner General Chihobvu. “If we equip inmates with life skills such as those acquired through agriculture, this can go a long way in facilitating their reintegration into society.”

The Commissioner General’s visit underscored the ZPCS’s commitment to redefining its culture, placing a renewed emphasis on corrections and entrepreneurship. He was particularly impressed by the commercial aspect of Hurungwe Prison Farm, recognizing the potential for the generated revenue to be reinvested in providing essential resources for the inmates.

“If we sell our horticulture products, we can use the money generated to buy necessities like maize for the inmates,” the Commissioner General explained, highlighting the sustainable and self-sufficient model being implemented.

Moreover, the Commissioner General challenged Hurungwe Prison Farm to further expand its efforts by taking tree planting seriously, recognizing the importance of environmental conservation and the role it plays in holistic rehabilitation.

“The competition for production among provinces should continue if we are to reach where we want as far as agriculture is concerned,” the Commissioner General said, underscoring the ZPCS’s vision to establish an agricultural hub that can serve as a blueprint for transformation across the country.

Hurungwe Prison Farm’s remarkable achievements, have not only caught the attention of the highest levels of ZPCS leadership but have also inspired a renewed sense of purpose and optimism within the correctional service. As the ZPCS continues to redefine its culture, this innovative approach to rehabilitation through sustainable agriculture is poised to become a shining example of how prisons can foster meaningful change and contribute to the nation’s well-being.

The event was also attended by DCG Social Ndanga, Senior Officers and other government officials.

Driver of the year competition in Mutare

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ZPCS Manicaland Province recently held the preliminary round of the Zimbabwe Driver of the Year Competition at Mutare Prison Grounds where seven drivers from the Service participated. The competition was spearheaded by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.

Winners from the competition will represent ZPCS Manicaland Province at Manicaland Provincial Competitions scheduled for 4-5 May 2024 at Porusingazi Truck Shop in Mutare. These will be followed by National and World Championships. The aim of the competitions is to sharpen driver’s skills and enforce road safety, thereby reducing road traffic accidents.

The contestants were tested in a number of manoeuvres including pre-trip check, reverse, swing gate, pit, rings, left wheel drive, bull’s eye, rump, overtaking bike, height, timing just to mention a few. The competitors were holders of Class One and Class Two driver’s licences.

In the upcoming Provincial Competitions, ZPCS Manicaland Province will be represented by Correctional Officer Grade 1 (CO1) Ziti Anesu, CO1 Hapadzi Claudious, CO1 Stacha Rashworthy, CO1 Tangwena Tobias, CO1 Chadira Bonface, CO1 Muchedzi Rangarirai and CO1 Matanga Itai.

In 2012, one CO3 Maxwell WARES Mutyamanza managed to clinch position 17 out of 56 at the World Driving Championships that were held in South Africa.

Inmates dance group compete at Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival

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Beitbridge Prison Traditional Dance group competed in the Matabeleland South Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance 2024 Festival which was held at Calleen Bawn in Gwanda. The competition which was held under the theme “Tamba Tione! Gida Sibone!” had 10 traditional dance groups competing for the honours. The Festival was organized by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association.

Beitbridge Prison Traditional Dance group comprised two rehabilitation officers, Correctional Officer Grade One (CO1) Ndlovu L and CO1 Nkala M, 11 male inmates and 4 female inmates. The group came out on the eighth position in the hotly contested competition. The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service continues to embrace arts and culture as a rehabilitation programme as it provides inmates with an opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings, emotions and ideas in their own way.

Incarcerated mothers meet their children

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Inmates at Chikurubi Female Prison were treated to a heart-warming Mother’s Day celebration which saw them spending quality time with their children. The occasion was characterised by various activities which included music, dance and eating competitions. The event was organised by Jedidiah Trust in partnership with Siboniwe Trust Foundation and Nyaradzo Group.

The activities were meant to foster family bonding and spread love. Musical performances added rhythm and melody to the occasion. Fun and games also livened the atmosphere, with amusing Emcees adding an extra layer of excitement and ensuring that everyone present felt welcome and entertained throughout the event.

Jedidiah Trust Director Mr Lovemore Chikwanda said his organization remains steadfast in supporting incarcerated mothers in parenting their children during their time in prison. “We go beyond mere assistance, ensuring children’s education, proper care-giving and fostering a bond between inmates and their families.”

The inmates thanked ZPCS Management and Jedidiah Trust for according them the opportunity to interact with their children and share heartfelt conversations, as well as nurture relationships.