Section 229: Commissioner-General of Prisons and Correctional Service
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) The Prisons and Correctional Service is under the command of a Commissioner-General of the Prisons and Correctional Service appointed by the President after consultation with the Minister responsible for the Prisons and Correctional Service.
(2) The Commissioner-General of the Prisons and Correctional Service is appointed for a five-year term which may be renewed once.
(3) A person who has served as Commissioner-General of the Prisons and Correctional Service may not be appointed to the command of any other security service.
(4) The Commissioner-General of the Prisons and Correctional Service must exercise his or her command in accordance with general written policy directives given by the Minister responsible for the Prisons and Correctional Service acting under the authority of the President.
Insight: Commissioner-General of Prisons and Correctional Service
This constitutional provision establishes civilian oversight of the prison system while limiting power concentration. The five-year term limit (maximum ten years total) prevents entrenchment of authority, while the prohibition on leading other security services after serving as Commissioner-General creates separation between different security branches. These measures reflect democratic principles of checks and balances in security governance.