Zimbabwe’s main remand prison in Harare is dangerously overcrowded, with cells built for 35 inmates now holding over 80 people, according to a new report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
“Inmates experienced inhumane living conditions mostly due to overcrowding,” said ZHRC Chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome. “Prison cells designed for 35 inmates were holding more than 80, leading to unsanitary and degrading living conditions.”
The commission visited Harare Remand Prison on April 29 to investigate the treatment of inmates, especially those arrested after the March 31 protests, including journalist and first-year law student Blessed Mhlanga and 94 others.
The findings painted a bleak picture:
- No phone contact: Broken TelOne phone lines have left inmates cut off from their families, even in emergencies.
- No exams for students: Two university students, including Mhlanga, were denied their right to sit for exams while in custody.
- No charges for migrants: 66 migrants from various countries are being held without any formal charges or court dates.
- Abuse allegations: Detainees reported being beaten and having belongings stolen during their arrests.
“Some inmates reported serious violations of their rights to education and healthcare,” the report said. “This includes denial of exam access and delays in receiving medical attention.”
The ZHRC said it is working to address these issues. The officer in charge at the prison promised that injured detainees would get medical help. The Commission also contacted TelOne to repair the phone lines and reached out to the University of Zimbabwe to reschedule missed exams.
The ZHRC welcomed the recent release on bail of Mhlanga and the 94 protest-related detainees.
“Protecting human rights is paramount,” the Commission stressed. “There is need to address all outstanding issues and to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, including those in detention.”
