From Training to Service: New Officers Ready to Serve and Protect

By Ilyana Sithole

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated at the pass-out parade for the 154th and 155th courses of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service at the Ntabazinduna Training School yesterday. The event marked the passing out of 1,622 recruits, comprising 1,109 males and 513 females.

During the address, President Mnangagwa reiterated the transition the recruits had undergone throughout their six months of training, focusing on values including patriotism, loyalty, and teamwork. “Today’s parade marks the end of a tedious and intellectually demanding phase of one’s life, and simultaneously ushers in the beginning of one’s chosen career,” he said.

The President commended the perfect gender representation within the class and reassured the recruits of government support in fulfilling the mandate of humane incarceration and rehabilitation by the ZPCS: “You are integral to protecting our nation,” he declared.

He also called on the new officers to embrace digital technologies during the execution of their work, adding that this was likely to make the security and rehabilitation of offenders more efficient. Mnangagwa launched a Community Information Centre at the training school, meant to drive digital changes in the region.

The President underscored integrity, calling on the recruits to uphold high ethical standards and warning them against corruption and drug abuse. “Your integrity must remain untarnished by selfish interests,” he asserted.

Outstanding correctional officers received awards and certificates at the tail-end of the event for their sterling performance during the training period. The President congratulated all the newly minted officers and called on them to approach work with courage and optimism. As a result, these recruits now embark on their key responsibilities regarding safety and rehabilitation across various communities in Zimbabwe.