By Own Correspondent| Prison officers have been warned against engaging in corruption as this not only threatens theur jobs but will lead to them being arrested.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner General, Retired Major General Paradzai Zimondi issued the warning at a tree planting event in Mazowe recently.

When the protector becomes the predator where does one turn to?

Such is the anomaly in some prison facilities in the country as reports filter through that some unscrupulous junior officers are preying on groceries and foodstuffs meant for prisoners and converting them to their own use, thereby dampening Christmas cheer for inmates.

While addressing a gathering at Mazowe Prison farm during a tree planting event, Retired Major General Zimondi said officers should adhere to their principles and avoid short-changing prisoners regardless of the economic situation.

He said:

“The year end is proving to be tough considering fuel challenges and price hikes but let me warn you ZPCS officers, I cannot afford to ignore this, some will end up losing their jobs because of theft. Take heed,” he said.

The tree planting event drew senior prison officers from across Mashonaland Central Province, stakeholders, school children and inmates with the common message carried to plant trees as a routine.

The tree of the year is the jackal berry or African ebony (Mushuma, Umdlauzo) which provide edible fruit and can be used for turnery, carvings and household furniture.-StateMedia