‘headmaster’ (an inmate) highlighted the desire to use computers which some of them
had never used as they were incarcerated at young age.
Not all was gloomy, with the assistance of donor partners, the education complex had a
new state of the art block of classrooms which were not yet in use awaiting finishing
touches (See Fig,7).
Fig7: A newly constructed block and the inmates at the block.
xi.
Disciplinary measures
ZHRC was informed by the officers that there were clearly set up procedures used by
the Prison system in dealing with disciple issues for both inmates and officials.
Officials were clear that they try by all means necessary not to use restraining
measures nor force- which is prohibited in terms of the Rules for the Protection of
Juveniles. In terms of inmates’ disciplinary measures, the officials stated that they
make use of remission of sentence to award good behavior and removed the privilege
in cases of indiscipline. This system was said to be very effective and a deterrent
measure as inmates did not want to stay in prison for unnecessarily longer periods.
From the interviews conducted with inmates separately, there were varying responses
on discipline. Some inmates confirmed that set up disciplinary measures were effected
as and when necessary and thus acceptable. On the other hand, other inmates stated
that there were serious levels of abuse under the guise of ‘discipline”. This group of
inmates alleged that one can be beaten over petty issues such as requesting for more
food. They alleged that those beaten, are beaten at the back, under their feet and
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