The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) and The Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) have established a Joint Technical Team (JTT) to verify a total of One-Hundred and Twenty-Two (122) Zambian Nationals incarcerated in Namibia.
The two (2) Services are to ascertain the nationality of the inmates who indicated willingness to serve the remainder of their sentences in Zambia but do not have the relevant national documents.
Speaking in Namibia during a meeting to establish the JTT, ZCS Commissioner General, Mr. Fredrick Chilukutu expressed concern that despite Zambia sharing borders with Eight (8) other Nations, the high number of Zambians in Namibian Correctional Facilities was denting the good standing of the Zambian people.
“It is my hope that the establishment of the Joint Technical Team to ascertain the nationality of the inmates who indicated willingness to serve the remainder of their sentences in their respective countries will provide solutions to this overarching problem.” Mr. Chilukutu said.
Meanwhile, Namibian Correctional Service Commissioner General Mr. Raphael Hamunyela also highlighted the importance of inmates to serve their sentences close to their families. He said family tie is critical for inmate’s rehabilitation and reintegration back into society.
“Studies have consistently found that inmates who maintain close contact with their family members while incarcerated have better post-release outcomes and lower re-offending rates.” Mr. Hamunyela stated.
The establishment of the Joint Technical Team is in accordance with the resolutions of the 24th Session of the Zambia/Namibia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) which took place from 16th to 21st April 2023 in Livingstone, Zambia.
The 121 males and 01 females incarcerated are in Namibia’s Windhoek Correctional male and female facilities respectively while 08 other inmates could not be brought to Windhoek due to various reasons.
