The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has uncovered shocking human rights abuses at Harare Remand Prison, following a fact-finding mission on April 29, 2025. Led by Chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome, the commission’s visit revealed prolonged pre-trial detention, excessive delays in legal proceedings, and appalling living conditions. The ZHRC’s findings paint a grim picture of life inside the prison, where detainees are forced to endure inhumane conditions.
Many detainees, including journalist and law student Blessed Mhlanga, were being held for extended periods without trial, violating their constitutional rights. Overcrowding was rampant, with cells designed for 35 inmates crammed with over 80 people, leading to unsanitary and degrading living conditions. The commission noted that this situation was particularly concerning for students, like Mhlanga, who were denied access to education while in custody. This denial of educational opportunities not only hampers their academic progress but also undermines their future prospects.
In light of these findings, the ZHRC has urged authorities to take urgent corrective actions. The commission emphasized the need to grant bail to detainees held for extended periods without trial, restore communication services including functional telephone lines, ensure medical attention and access to healthcare for inmates, and facilitate educational access for students in detention. The ZHRC stressed that bail is a right to be enjoyed by all, unless there are compelling reasons justifying continued detention. By taking these steps, authorities can begin to address the systemic issues that have led to these human rights abuses.
Following the ZHRC’s visit, several issues were addressed, including medical attention for injured detainees, access to exams for affected students, and repair of prison telephone lines. Furthermore, Mhlanga and 94 protest-related detainees were granted bail shortly after the visit. These developments are a welcome relief for the detainees and their families, who have endured immense hardship and uncertainty.
While the ZHRC welcomes these positive developments, they stress the need to address all outstanding issues and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in detention. The commission’s findings highlight the importance of protecting human rights, even in the most vulnerable of situations. The ZHRC will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that authorities take concrete steps to address the concerns raised. By doing so, the commission aims to prevent similar human rights abuses from occurring in the future and promote a culture of respect for human dignity and the rule of law.
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