116 Inmates Escape From Prisons
One hundred and sixteen (116) inmates escaped from prisons between January 2021 and October this year, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has said.
ZPCS national public relations officer, Chief Superintendent Meya Khanyezi, said most of the escapees were B-class inmates.
She said most fugitives will sneak away after asking for permission to relieve themselves when they will be outside for work duties while serving their terms at medium-security prisons.
Khanyezi also revealed that Harare Central and Chikurubi Farm prisons had high incidences of prison escapes. She said:
In 2021, 64 inmates escaped from our prisons, and 52 inmates in 2022 to date, making a total of 116.
Harare Central and Chikurubi Farm prisons have a high incidence of escapes since these stations have more B-class inmates, who go out of prison to work.
Police, however, recaptured 40 escapees during the same period. After escaping, 40 inmates were recaptured — 18 in 2021 and 22 in 2022.
To prevent future escapes, ZPCS is installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems at maximum prisons and arming its officers and increasing the number of dogs used by prison officers. | The Sunday Mail
