The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Manicaland Province has formally established a Correctional Board of Visitors, in line with the Prisons and Correctional Service Act [Chapter 7:18] of 2023, in a move aimed at enhancing oversight, providing guidance, and ensuring the welfare of inmates in provincial correctional facilities.
The newly constituted Board, appointed by Commissioner Spetosomusa Chinobva, Officer Commanding ZPCS Manicaland, is tasked with advising the Service on matters of rehabilitation, reintegration, health, education, and general management of prisons.
Section 167(3) of the Act requires the Board to meet at least four times a year, acting as a critical bridge between the Service and the communities it serves, and ensuring that correctional facilities operate in line with statutory and human rights obligations.
The inaugural meeting took place on 7 October 2025 at the ZPCS Manicaland Provincial Headquarters. Among the seven members appointed were Mr. David Tandiri, a respected legal practitioner; Mrs. Violet Patience Mugwagwa, a business executive; Dr. Prudence Mhlanga of Paradise Hospital; Mrs. Tracy Mutsongodza from First Class Group of Schools; Elder Nangisai Marange of Alpha Group of Schools and PORA; and Professor Albert Chawanda, Vice Chancellor of the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences.
All members accepted their appointments and attended the first session, demonstrating a strong commitment to their new roles.
Addressing the Board, Commissioner Chinobva warmly welcomed the members and highlighted the significance of their contributions.
“Your roles and responsibilities as the Board of Visitors are clearly outlined in the Prisons and Correctional Service Act. You are here to provide oversight and advice, and that means you are now part of us,” she said.
The Commissioner also provided a detailed overview of ZPCS’s mandate, strategic objectives, and developmental goals, stressing the importance of collaboration to improve service delivery and institutional performance.
Board Members expressed enthusiasm and pledged dedication to their responsibilities, agreeing to define portfolios and areas of focus at their next meeting.
They also tasked Commissioner Chinobva with identifying a project that the Board can collectively support to demonstrate their commitment to the Service.
