President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday received a live pangolin that had been discovered by a Kwekwe farmer, Mr. John Mapurazi, before handing it over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) for protection.

According to officials, Mr. Mapurazi found the endangered animal on his farm and immediately notified authorities.

The pangolin was subsequently transported to State House where President Mnangagwa accepted it and commended the farmer for acting lawfully.

Pangolins are listed among Zimbabwe’s most protected wildlife species, and illegal possession or trafficking of the mammals attracts a mandatory prison sentence of up to nine years.

Speaking during the handover, President Mnangagwa praised the farmer’s actions, saying Zimbabweans must play an active role in safeguarding the country’s wildlife heritage.

“This is how every citizen should respond when they come across our protected species. Pangolins are endangered and must be preserved,” the President said.

After a brief inspection, President Mnangagwa formally handed the animal to ZimParks officials who confirmed it will be transferred to a secure environment for rehabilitation and monitoring.

Conservation groups have repeatedly warned that pangolins remain among the world’s most trafficked mammals, mainly due to demand for their scales and meat.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving the working conditions and welfare of civil servants nationwide.

He made the remarks at the joint pass-out parade for Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) recruits at the Ntabazinduna Training School, where more than 1 000 new officers graduated.

“My administration remains dedicated to strengthening the welfare and conditions of service for all government workers, including ZPCS officers. Your efforts demonstrate how vital civil servants are in driving national development and shaping a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mnangagwa stressed that the role of the correctional services has expanded beyond keeping offenders in custody.

The 2025 ZPCS pass-out parade featured 1 195 graduates from intakes 156 and 157, who completed six months of intensive training.

Addressing the graduating officers and invited guests, the President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, welcomed the service’s shift toward rehabilitation and reintegration.

“It is encouraging to see the ZPCS embracing a broader mandate that includes correction, rehabilitation, and reintegration, while respecting human dignity. This modern approach aligns with our cultural values, constitutional principles, and global best practices in correctional management,” he said.

The latest intakes include professionals in various fields such as law, psychology, and technical trades. Mnangagwa said these skills will enhance the institution’s capacity and contribute significantly to its reform agenda.

“I am pleased that this group comprises qualified professionals, including psychologists who will strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration drive. The recruitment of lawyers is another notable development, as they will offer legal and humanitarian expertise. Such specialised competencies will enhance the ZPCS’s ability to uphold justice and safeguard human rights in line with national and international standards,” the President stated.

He added that the Second Republic has transformed the country’s correctional philosophy towards a more empowering and restorative system. One of the major developments, he noted, is the revival of the parole programme.

“The expansion of the parole system is a significant step forward. It will now benefit deserving inmates who have shown genuine reform and readiness to reintegrate into society. In December, government will host the first Zimbabwe Parole System Conference to help refine the programme and ensure it balances justice, rehabilitation, and community safety within our national and African context.”

As the new officers prepare to take up posts across the country, President Mnangagwa urged them to embody the principles of Ubuntu/hunhu in their service.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa this morning received a courtesy call from four ambassadors-designate, appointed in September 2025, at State House in Harare. The diplomats are set to represent Zimbabwe in key global capitals as part of government efforts to strengthen international relations and advance national interests abroad.

The envoys include Patrick Ronald Mutasa, who will assume duties as Ambassador to Cuba; Lovemore Mazemo, posted to South Africa; David Douglas Hamadziripi, who will take up his role in the United States of America; and Isaac Annanias Moyo, appointed Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Their appointments are expected to bolster Zimbabwe’s diplomatic engagements in areas of trade, investment, and political cooperation. The courtesy visit precedes their departure to respective missions, where they are anticipated to carry forward the Second Republic’s re-engagement and engagement policy.