An Analysis of the Transition from Retributive to Correctional Rehabilitation in Zimbabwe Prisons. A Case of Harare Central Prison

Abstract

The study focused on analysis of the transition from retributive to correctional rehabilitation in Zimbabwe prisons. A case of Harare Central Prison. The researcher used the rehabilitation theory as the theoretical framework. The aim of the study was to assess how Zimbabwe Prisons has managed to shift from retributive to correctional rehabilitation. The objectives of the study were to explore the nature of correctional rehabilitation programmes implemented by Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services at Harare Central Prison, to examine challenges being experienced in the implementation of correctional rehabilitation services at Harare Central Prison and to suggest strategies that can be used to enhance correctional rehabilitation programmes being implemented by Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services at Harare Central Prison. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The researcher used a case study research design that involved key informants interviews and interview with inmates. The research involved 3 key informants who have experience of working in rehabilitation of inmates and 8 inmates who have both experience of the retributive model and correctional rehabilitation. The researcher used purposive and expert sampling method. The study found out that Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services continued with the same rehabilitation programmes they offered during the retributive model what changed on correctional rehabilitation is the treatment of inmates. These correctional rehabilitation programmes are academic education, skills training, social and moral rehabilitation, sports and recreation. Benefits of correctional rehabilitation include, being equipped with livelihood skills, stress and depression reduction. From the study there no policies that were revised in light o the correctional rehabilitation except for the (2013) constitution of Zimbabwe. However they are number of challenges experienced in the implementation of correctional rehabilitation programmes such as lack resources, lack of in service training among prison staff and lack of motivation among prison officer. Based on the study findings it is recommended that ZPCS should revise its policies to reflect correctional rehabilitation, there is need for ZPCS to do in –service training and recruit more skilled personnel like psychologists, counsellors and social workers and more resources should be channelled towards rehabilitation programmes for them to more effective