The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has proposed the release on bail those facing minor offences and increasing testing on new admissions as a measure to minimise the spread of the disease at its facilities.
This comes amid reports that the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus is increasing rapidly.
Speaking during the handover of personal protective equipment to the ZPCS by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association in Gwanda this Friday, Assistant Commissioner Ngwenya said:
The number of inmates has gone back to where it was before the amnesty. As such we are having a challenge in placing new admissions in our facilities separate from those who are already there. We, therefore, wish we could enhance testing and also appeal to our courts to deal with cases with speed.
President Mnangagwa issued a presidential pardon to convicts back in March to decongest prisons as a way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The virus has however since breached prison walls and the trend is likely to get worse as new people are being imprisoned for various crimes.
More: ZBC News