In a move that is reshaping the country’s approach to corrections, Zimbabwe has introduced a pilot programme allowing selected prisoners to temporarily leave prison to spend private time with their partners. The initiative, which officials say strengthens family bonds, is part of a broader effort to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) confirmed that the scheme is being trialed at Marondera Female Open Prison and Connemara Prison, with eligibility limited to inmates who have demonstrated good behaviour. The programme, commonly referred to as “conjugal leave,” aims to help inmates maintain emotional and intimate connections, preparing them for reintegration into society.
Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi explained that the new policy is an early step toward a more comprehensive parole system. “Family involvement is essential to genuine rehabilitation. By allowing inmates to reconnect with loved ones, we help them return to the community as better-adjusted citizens,” she said.
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Moses Chihobvu, added that selected prisoners may eventually be allowed to complete portions of their sentences at home under supervision. He emphasized that a dedicated Parole Board will oversee eligibility, ensuring that only inmates demonstrating consistent good conduct benefit from the programme.
While the reform has been met with excitement among inmates, authorities stress that public safety remains a top priority. Officials say the initiative reflects a growing recognition that rehabilitation is most effective when families and communities play an active role in supporting inmates’ reintegration.
