The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) will host the Commissioner-General’s Sports Tournament in Manicaland Province from 10 to 14 December 2026, marking its return after a nine-year hiatus.
Last held in 2017, the tournament is expected to attract officers from across the Service to compete in more than 16 sporting codes, including traditional games and a beauty pageant.
Preparations gathered momentum during a planning workshop at the Forestry Commission in Mutare, chaired by National Sports Committee Chairperson Commissioner Alvord Gapare. The workshop was attended by Deputy National Sports Officer Chief Correctional Officer Edward Zamira, provincial sports officers and other stakeholders.
In a speech read on her behalf by Provincial Sports Officer Chief Correctional Officer Cousinet Simunyu, Officer Commanding ZPCS Manicaland Province Commissioner Spetosomusa Chinobva welcomed Commissioner Gapare and his delegation, expressing confidence in the preparatory committee.
“We are rallying behind the committee and we are certain that today’s deliberations shall deliver a memorable Commissioner-General’s Sports Tournament,” said Commissioner Chinobva.
Commissioner Gapare described the tournament’s return as long overdue, urging organisers to ensure thorough preparations for the event, which bears the name of the Commissioner-General.
“This has been one of the most prestigious events that has been missing for a long time, so this year we are hosting it once again. Our preparations must be flawless, keeping in mind that the tournament carries the name of our Commissioner-General,” he said.
He said sport helped officers manage work-related stress, build camaraderie and strengthen teamwork across provincial boundaries.
“Sports serve as a powerful antidote to the stresses of our profession. It is a universal language that breaks down rigid hierarchies, bridges regional divides and builds a unique brand of camaraderie that cannot be taught in a classroom.
“When our officers compete together, sweat together and cheer for one another, they forge bonds of trust that translate directly into better teamwork and mutual support during their regular, high-stakes duties,” he said.
Commissioner Gapare said investing in officers’ physical health and morale was essential to improving their performance, describing the tournament as an investment in the Service’s human resources.
He urged provinces to mobilise officers for the December competition and cautioned against drug and substance abuse, calling for healthy lifestyles and responsible conduct.
In her vote of thanks, Chief Correctional Officer Simunyu thanked Management for supporting the planning workshop and acknowledged the contributions of Commissioner Gapare, Chief Correctional Officer Zamira and other participants.
The workshop also included a tour of the tournament venue as preparations gathered pace ahead of the national sporting event.
ZPCS Facebook Page