Tinaani Nyabereka
GWERU – Of the 1 680
prisoners released by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) in
the country, 259 were from the Midlands province where authorities seem to be
not leaving anything to chance to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
prisoners released by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) in
the country, 259 were from the Midlands province where authorities seem to be
not leaving anything to chance to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
The inmates were released in compliance with the Clemence
Order of the President in terms of Section 112(1) (a ) and (d) of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Order of the President in terms of Section 112(1) (a ) and (d) of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Authorities fear the country’s overcrowded prisons are a potential fertile ground for new coronavirus cases.
ZPSC Midlands Public Relations Officer, Jere Ruzive said society
should welcome and embrace the released prisoners and help them to fully
reintegrate.
should welcome and embrace the released prisoners and help them to fully
reintegrate.
“We urge members of the public to welcome and embrace these
reformed brothers and sisters back to society as most of them reflect signs of
change. We are also implementing measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in
line with the country’s lockdown decree which was issued. We are working with
our courts and other stakeholders in this fight. We have received sanitisers
and gloves and we have since minimised prison visits,” Ruzive said.
reformed brothers and sisters back to society as most of them reflect signs of
change. We are also implementing measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in
line with the country’s lockdown decree which was issued. We are working with
our courts and other stakeholders in this fight. We have received sanitisers
and gloves and we have since minimised prison visits,” Ruzive said.
Eleven of the released inmates were females housed in Shurugwi
prison. Categorically the released were serving for crimes such as domestic
violence, shoplifting among others.
prison. Categorically the released were serving for crimes such as domestic
violence, shoplifting among others.
Those imprisoned for such specified as rape, murder, carjacking,
treason, public violence and attempted murder were excluded from the amnesty.
treason, public violence and attempted murder were excluded from the amnesty.
ZPCS gad initially recommended the release had initially
recommended the release of 5 000 prisoners in a bid to decongest the country’s
prisons to 16 838 inmates but most of the inmates did not qualify.
recommended the release of 5 000 prisoners in a bid to decongest the country’s
prisons to 16 838 inmates but most of the inmates did not qualify.
