Zambian Commissioner of Prison Services Percy Chato and Senior Assistant Commissioner Wonder Chisora greet an inmate while Zimbabwe Prison Service Deputy Commissioner Agrey Machingauta looks on at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare yesterday

Zambia Prison Service Commissioner Percy Kangwa Chato has commended Zimbabwe for exhibiting the highest level of professionalism in preserving human dignity in prisons.

Commissioner Chato arrived in Zimbabwe on Sunday for a five day working visit.

Speaking after a tour of Chikurubi Maximum Prison yesterday, Comm Chato said he was impressed by the high level of professionalism shown by the prison services in Zimbabwe.

“Continue maintaining the high standards of professionalism in providing human custodian and correct service.

“This is an eye-opener to us as we stand to benefit from your rehabilitation processes,” he said.

Comm Chato’s visit is a follow-up to a similar visit to Zambia by ZPS commissioner Retired Major General Paradzai Zimondi.

“We are in Zimbabwe to share experiences and learn from the good things you have.

“Zambia and Zimbabwe share a common history that of the liberation struggle.

“During our tour we have learnt the unique conservation farming method.

“We do it differently in Zambia.

“We have realised that your approach is more applicable in ensuring food security to the inmates,” said the visiting Zambian Commissioner.

Commissioner Chato first visited Hurungwe Farm Prison on his arrival.

Deputy Commissioner Agrey Machingauta and Senior Assistant Commissioner Wonder Chisora took the Zambia Commissioner through the tour.

Officer-in-Charge Chikurubi Maximum Prison Assistant Commissioner Ernest Pambayi said the prison service has not been spared by the illegal sanctions.

“Despite the challenges we continue to render the highest security standards attainable in any security set up.

“We uphold humane and habitable living conditions for inmates without violating their rights, thus we render effective operational efficiency to the satisfaction of our stakeholders,” he said.

Commissioner Chato will tour Bindura Farm Prison today