Zim GBC News | Masvingo Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MASVINGO \u2013 A powerful hailstorm has severely damaged sections of the Whawha Prison complex, exacerbating an already critical overcrowding situation and forcing the decommissioning of cells for hundreds of inmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The storm, which struck on Sunday, ripped roofs off housing blocks at both Whawha Medium Prison and the adjacent Young Offenders\u2019 Prison. This latest damage has rendered at least 18 cells unusable, eliminating accommodation for approximately 350 inmates at a facility already operating near its total capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commissioner Somemore Gate, the Officer Commanding the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) in Midlands Province, described the urgent need for intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is unfortunate that we continue to experience such incidents,\u201d Gate stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe decommissioning of some cells as a result of the hailstorm means we have to find alternative accommodation for the offenders. We need assistance as of yesterday if we are to keep our prisoners in a dignified manner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Whawha complex, designed to hold 1,600 inmates, currently houses over 1,400. Officials note that this incident compounds damage from repeated hailstorms over the past three years, creating a persistent infrastructure crisis that strains the correctional system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response, the government has signaled it is activating a disaster management protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kosheni Mtisi, the Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet, outlined the planned steps in an interview with ZBC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFirstly, we will be engaging the Central Protection Unit (CPU) and getting them to come up with a tangible action plan,\u201d Mtisi said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are also going to engage the necessary stakeholders and take comprehensive action to deal with the issue of infrastructure at the prison complex. We are determined to give decent accommodation to offenders in line with Vision 2030.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage while scrambling to find immediate alternative housing for the displaced prisoners, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining humane conditions within the country\u2019s correctional facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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