Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. HARARE, May 27 (NewsDay Live) – The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has raised alarm over ‘serious’ human rights violations at Harare Remand Prison following a fact-finding mission conducted on April 29, 2025.
The visit was prompted by growing concerns over the prolonged pre-trial detention of individuals arrested in connection with politically sensitive cases, including journalist and law student, Blessed Mhlanga, and 94 others that detained after the March 31 protests.
In a statement released today, the ZHRC confirmed that many detainees were being held for extended periods without trial, in direct contravention of their constitutional rights.
The commission said its visit, led by chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome, uncovered excessive delays in legal proceedings and detention without bail in the absence of compelling reasons.
“Inmates held in cases of political interest suffered prolonged pre-trial detention in violation of the right not to be detained without trial, and to be released on bail unless there are compelling reasons justifying such detention,” the ZHRC stated.
“Among those affected is Mr. Mhlanga, a first-year law student, who, along with another University of Zimbabwe economics student, was denied the opportunity to sit for their examinations while in custody. The Commission decried this as a violation of the right to education.”
The visit also exposed appalling living conditions inside the prison, with cells designed for 35 inmates crammed with over 80 people. “The resulting overcrowding has led to unsanitary and degrading living conditions,” the ZHRC added.
In response, the commission urged the authorities to take urgent corrective actions, including granting bail, restoring communication services, and ensuring medical and educational access for inmates.
“Bail is a right to be enjoyed by all unless there are compelling reasons justifying continued detention, calling for expedited bail hearings and investigations into police misconduct,” the ZHRC said.
Following the visit, several issues were addressed on-site. Injured detainees began receiving medical attention, a process was initiated to facilitate access to exams for affected students, and the commission engaged TelOne to repair prison telephone lines.
The commission also mediated between the detainees and their legal representatives to ensure grievances were communicated.
ZHRC confirmed that Mhlanga and the 94 protest-related detainees were granted bail shortly after the visit.
“The Commission is encouraged by the positive developments that followed this monitoring missionHowever, there is a continued need to address all outstanding issues and to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, including those in detention,” read the statement.
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