Zimondi, from 1998 when he became the ZPS head, had not been willing to give prison information to journalists.
The prison boss at the media conference admitted that he had not been visible and pleaded to journalists to use the new media engagement initiative.
“I invited you all to choose a prison of your choice within Harare today and understand more about the welfare of inmates. You are all so welcome to visit any prison in the country if you have an issue to write about because they are our prisons and those incarcerated there are our relatives although they might have wronged society,”Zimondi said.
Turning to the welfare of inmates Zimondi said food supplies had improved but buildings needed upgrading.
After his address journalists were asked to choose a prison within Harare to tour and meet prisoners without restrictions.
Journalists opted for the Harare Remand Prison where, according to the its Officer-in-charge, Chief Superintendent Billiot Chibaya, the complex was not experiencing overcrowding.
The prison is currently holding 611 inmates against a capacity of 900.
“Food and clothing supplies for inmates have greatly improved as compared to what happened in the past few years,” he said.
Inmates at the prison had no complaints against wardens, save the fact that they still experienced delays in appearing in court.
Prison conditions have been deplorable—particularly during the period Zimbabwe went through a debilitating economic meltdown.
Besides overcrowding, there has been a high incidence of communicable diseases, acute food shortages and shortage of blankets and prison garb.
Post published in: News
zimhondi did the right thing in inviting the media and i hope he copntinues with his openness because the public has the right to know.thumps up to him for realising that