‘Govt wants total transformation of the penal systems’

By SIMON MUNTEMBAGOVERNMENT has reaffirm its commitment to see the total transformation at the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) from being punitive to corrective systems.Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo said the call to repeal and replace the Prisons Act Cap 97 of 1965 was a clear demonstration of Government’s transformational agenda from a penal system to a correctional service model that was aimed at restoring the respect and dignity of all inmates.He said once the Act was repealed, it would help in providing a more conducive and humane environment that could support occupational programming and entrepreneurship for smooth community re-entry and successful social reintegration of ex-inmates into society.The minister said this yesterday when he officiated at the official opening of the stakeholders’ engagement workshop for ZCS Bill at Lusaka’s Ndozo Lodge.Meanwhile, the programme for Legal Empowerment and Enhanced Justice Delivery (PLEED) manager, Christiane Roth said in line with the Seventh National Development Plan 2017-2021 and the National vision 2030, Zambia has made significant efforts to strengthen the dispensation of justice in the country.And ZCS deputy Commissioner General Lloyd Chilundika said the repeal of the Prisons Act Cap 97 of 1965 needed support from all stakeholders because it would benefit Zambians as it shall bring about a constitution that respects the rights of inmates.