419 ZPCS Officers Receive Rank Badges After Presidential Promotion

By Admire Chitsungo

Harare-The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) yesterday held a historic ceremony where 419 commissioned officers were officially conferred with badges of rank following their promotion by President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Deputy Commissioner-General (Support Services) Christine Manetswa Manhivi presided over the conferment on behalf of the Commissioner-General of Prisons and Correctional Service, Dr. MCN Chihobvu.

The promotions, effective 24 September 2025, saw three officers elevated to Assistant Commissioner, five to Chief Superintendent, sixteen to Superintendent, seventy to Chief Correctional Officer, and 325 to Principal Correctional Officer.

Of the total promoted, 312 are men and 107 are women,an achievement DCG Manhivi said reflects ZPCS’s commitment to gender equality in line with the Constitution and government policy.

In addition, a further 1,669 Non-Commissioned Officers have been promoted and will receive their badges of rank at their respective stations on dates yet to be announced.

“On behalf of the Commissioner-General, it gives me great pleasure to confer badges of rank to these officers who earned their elevation on merit,” said DCG Manhivi. “Rank does not confer privilege or power. It imposes responsibility.”
She reminded officers that their promotions come with higher accountability at a time when the organisation is accelerating efforts to meet set goals. Quoting scripture from Romans 13:1, she urged them to remain disciplined, vigilant and focused.

“You must lead by example and ensure zero tolerance to indiscipline and laziness so that you earn model status,” she charged, calling for creativity, innovation, and teamwork under the spirit of Team ZPCS.
The Deputy Commissioner-General further appealed to officers to actively fight drug and substance abuse within communities, noting the scourge’s destructive effects.

While congratulating the promoted officers, DCG Manhivi also encouraged those who did not make it this year not to lose hope.

“Remain positive and continue to showcase allegiance in serving the nation. Tomorrow it will be you who will be promoted,” she assured.

The ceremony concluded with applause and jubilation as the newly promoted officers celebrated their career milestones.