ZIMBABWE Prisons and Correctional Service Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu has scored yet another first after he was appointed board member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA).
Chihobvu was appointed to the ICPA board during its annual general meeting held in Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday this week.
The event brought together correctional leaders, practitioners and scholars from across the globe to deliberate on transformative trends in corrections, strengthen international co-operation and promote excellence in correctional management and rehabilitation.
In a statement, ZPCS said Chihobvu would serve on the board for a four-year term.
“This appointment marks a significant milestone and recognition of Zimbabwe’s growing contribution to international correctional reforms and best practices.
“Dr Chihobvu’s inclusion on the ICPA board is a proud moment for Zimbabwe, the Southern African Development Community) region and Africa at large.
“It underscores the continent’s rising leadership and commitment to promoting humane, secure and rehabilitative correctional systems in line with global standards.”
The ZPCS delegation expressed deep appreciation for the honour bestowed on Chihobvu, describing it as a monumental achievement and a reflection of the institution’s continuous strides towards professional excellence and international collaboration.
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Speaking after the nomination, Chihobvu applauded other global leaders of correctional services across the world.
“This nomination is not only a personal honour, but also a reminder of the collective responsibility we share as global correctional leaders to learn from one another, support one another and strengthen the profession together,” he said.
Chihobvu was appointed ZPCS commissioner-general in 2020 after Paradzai Zimondi retired, leading a number of transformational programmes, including the refurbishment of Mutimurefu Security Prison in Masvingo to improve security and living conditions for inmates.
Under his watch, ZPCS has witnessed the expansion of Chikurubi Prison complex to accommodate growing inmate populations and reduce overcrowding.
Chihobvu has led ZPCS in the introduction of agricultural programmes at prisons like Harare Central Prison, where inmates grow crops and raise livestock to promote self-sufficiency and skills development.
He has launched vocational training courses in carpentry, tailoring and metalwork at facilities such as Esikhotheni Prison to facilitate inmates’ reintegration into society.
Chihobvu has also led initiatives to reduce overcrowding, including the implementation of alternative sentencing options such as community service programmes including the installation of medical clinics within prisons, providing inmates with essential healthcare services, including HIV and Aids treatment and testing.
ZPCS, under the leadership of Chihobvu, has established dedicated units for female inmates, ensuring their specific needs are addressed including programmes targeting juvenile offenders to promote rehabilitation and prevent re-offending.
He has also superintended over the implementation of a biometric identification system for inmate records at major prisons like Harare Central to enhance management efficiency and deployment of CCTV surveillance systems to improve security and monitor prison activities.
He has also partnered local non-governmental organisations and community organisations in reintegration programmes and family visitation initiatives, including public awareness campaigns on prison reforms and the importance of correctional services to national development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic era, Chihobvu introduced health protocols, including testing, quarantine and vaccination campaigns within prisons to curb the spread of the disease.
ZPCS, under Chihobvu’s leadership, has established The Bridge FM, a radio station which was granted a broadcasting licence, representing a transformative initiative aimed at supporting rehabilitation, fostering community engagement and promoting social justice for inmates in Zimbabwe.
ICPA is a leading global, member-based organisation dedicated to advancing professional correctional practices worldwide.
Established in 1998, ICPA exists to foster safe, humane and effective correctional systems through exchange of knowledge, promotion of innovation and cultivation of international networks among professionals working in the field of corrections.
ICPA is governed by an international board of directors and supported by an executive director and a dedicated executive team, which oversees the delivery of its strategic goals and day-to-day operations.
