Zimbabwe Parliament Introduces Prisons and Correctional Services Bill to Improve Rehabilitation and Inmate Welfare

In today’s sitting of the Senate in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi, presented the Second Reading speech for the Prisons and Correctional Services Bill [H.B. 6A, 2022]. The proposed bill aims to repeal the outdated Prisons Act and establish a new legislative framework that aligns with the current international norms and standards of prison administration.

According to Hon. Ziyambi, the new bill seeks to bring the existing Prisons Act in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, which elevated the status of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) as a constitutional entity with an expanded mandate. The proposed legislation aims to modernize the prison system by focusing on restorative justice, rehabilitation, and the humane treatment of prisoners.

The Minister emphasized the need to cater to the specific needs of vulnerable groups within the prison population, such as pregnant women, juvenile offenders, and individuals with disabilities. The current system lacks a supporting legislative framework to address the unique requirements of these groups, which the new bill aims to rectify.

Furthermore, the Prisons and Correctional Services Bill seeks to broaden the scope of the parole system, allowing all prisoners, regardless of the nature of their sentences, to be eligible for parole consideration. This change aims to promote fair and equal opportunities for all prisoners to reintegrate into society effectively.

One of the significant provisions in the proposed legislation is the emphasis on healthcare services for inmates. Hon. Ziyambi highlighted that the bill includes guiding principles on healthcare, ensuring that the right to life and the rights of arrested or detained persons, as enshrined in the Constitution, are upheld. Additionally, the bill extends an inmate’s right to consult with a medical practitioner of their choice at their own expense.

The Minister also addressed the importance of legal representation for inmates, stating that every person has the right to legal representation, as provided by the Constitution. The proposed law ensures that inmates have access to their lawyers before and during their trials, and a paralegal system will be established to assist inmates who cannot afford legal fees.

During the parliamentary session, several senators expressed their support for the bill and commended the Minister for addressing crucial issues within the criminal justice system. Hon. Sen. Tongogara acknowledged the significance of equipping prisoners with skills that would enable them to reintegrate successfully into society, stating, “They can be self-employed as they put their acquired skills to use.”

Another senator, Hon. Sen. Phugeni, welcomed the expansion of parole eligibility and urged for measures to reduce prison congestion, particularly for individuals awaiting trial. He emphasized the importance of preserving the right to presumed innocence until due process has taken place.

Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira raised concerns about the treatment of pregnant women in prisons and stressed the need to explore alternative sentences and open correctional prisons for this group. He also emphasized the importance of engaging community leaders and spoke about the need for a paradigm shift in how prisons are viewed. He also mentioned the issue of children accompanying their mothers and highlighted the obligation of the state to provide facilities for such children.

After the discussion, Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira moved for the Bill to be read a second time, which was agreed upon. The Committee Stage and Third Reading followed, with the Bill progressing without amendments. The Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs then moved for the Bill to be read the third time, which was also agreed upon. The session concluded with a motion to stand over all other Orders of the Day