Masvingo – Prison Ministries International Zimbabwe (PMIZ) chapter founder and president, Noah Masimba Pashapa has said it is the duty of all people to work for the rehabilitation of prisoners so as to prevent repeat offending and create a safer society.
Speaking during the 18th graduation and 6th ordination ceremonies on Saturday, September 08 at AFM New life Centre Assembly in Pangolin, Masvingo, Pashapa said his organisation would continue doing its part for the kind of Zimbabwe that all people wish to see.
He outlined PMIZ’s focus areas as rehabilitation of inmates and victims of crime, sustainable reintegration of ex-inmates as well as reducing recidivism and crime.
Graduands were drawn from stations namely Chitungwiza, Masvingo, Gweru while ordinands were from such places as Rusape, Chinhoyi, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Redclif, Zvishavane, Masvingo and Whawha.
“We are currently looking at improving conditions in prisons by drilling boreholes, building clinics, and starting small industries for example shoe manufacturing, confectioneries as well as cutting and designing. Businesses such as supermarkets should look at the possibility of getting their stock from prisons. The revenue would then be deposited to inmates’ accounts so that they would get start-up capital after leaving prison,” Pashapa said.
He said PMIZ was committed to partner government in crime reduction efforts by helping to rehabilitate convicted criminals.
One ex-inmate testified that he had stopped committing crime and was now focusing on keeping rabbits and chickens courtesy of an empowerment programme by PMIZ.
“I have since found a new lifestyle for myself after discovering that I can begin all over again. The rehabilitation programme by PMIZ has helped me to turn a page,” said the ex-convict.
The occasion was also graced by Mutimirefu Prison Choir, with graduands being challenged to seek God if they want the strength to turn a corner.crime
