The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has detailed its ongoing efforts to manage overcrowding, enhance rehabilitation programmes and ensure the effective reintegration of offenders, while also addressing corruption and criminal activity within the country’s correctional facilities.
According to the department, overcrowding remains one of the most pressing challenges within the prison system, with implications for both safety and the delivery of rehabilitation programmes. In response, DCS continues to implement its Overcrowding Reduction Strategy, which includes a mix of direct and indirect measures. These involve referring remand detainees for bail reviews, including options for electronic monitoring where available, and facilitating the early release of terminally ill or severely incapacitated detainees. The department also actively monitors sentence expiry dates to ensure no offender is detained longer than necessary and is prioritising the placement of eligible offenders, including lifers, on parole.
To alleviate pressure on the most congested facilities, DCS is transferring inmates according to a national plan, identifying and renovating unused buildings for conversion into detention facilities, and constructing new correctional centres where necessary. A reclassification process is also underway to ensure that security levels of inmates are reviewed at prescribed intervals, allowing for appropriate placement. Furthermore, a dedicated task team within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster has been established to lead a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to overcrowding.
In support of rehabilitation, the department has expanded the number of accredited full-time correctional schools from one in 2009 to 18 by 2024, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. These schools follow the national curriculum and provide teacher and learner support to young offenders. In addition, partnerships with the Department of Higher Education and Training allow inmates access to further learning opportunities. Rehabilitation initiatives also include a range of programmes delivered by psychologists, social workers, and spiritual care workers, with a focus on cognitive behavioural therapy, substance use treatment, and life skills development.
Offenders also have access to correctional programmes, sport and cultural activities, and pre-release initiatives. The department has formalised collaborations with service providers through Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements, ensuring that external programmes are quality-assured. Thirteen non-therapeutic correctional programmes have been developed to raise awareness and support behavioural change. Offenders also benefit from skills development through workshops, bakeries, and agricultural training.
To facilitate reintegration into society, the department has adopted a Social Reintegration Framework, which includes community engagement events (Izimbizo), support for economic opportunities for parolees and probationers, and restorative justice programmes involving both offenders and victims. Partnerships have been established with organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency and NICRO. Community corrections offices have been decentralised to ensure that support services are accessible, particularly in rural areas, with the establishment of service points helping to reduce parole violations and improve reintegration outcomes.
On the issue of security and criminal activity within correctional centres, DCS has implemented several targeted strategies, including the Gang Combating Strategy and Escape, Assault, and Death Prevention Strategies. These aim to improve safety and address issues such as contraband smuggling and gang influence. Daily search operations are conducted across cells, facilities, and among staff, service providers, and visitors.
To address corruption, the department has strengthened its internal oversight structures. The Departmental Investigation Unit (DIU) and Code Enforcement sections, established under Section 95A and B of the Correctional Services Act, have the authority to independently investigate and prosecute cases of corruption and inefficiency. These units carry out proactive audits, review internal policies, and have access to financial and operational records to detect irregularities. A strong focus has been placed on internal ethics, with all staff undergoing mandatory anti-corruption training.
DCS is also working to promote transparency by publishing statistics on corruption cases, engaging external stakeholders, and continuously refining its anti-corruption strategies based on feedback. Intelligence-led operations are being intensified, and security threats are actively monitored and escalated to ensure a coordinated and responsive approach.
The department has stated that while many challenges persist, it remains committed to transforming correctional centres into spaces that support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and contribute to a safer society.
