A scathing human rights monitoring visit by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) to Harare Remand Prison has revealed a disturbing web of politically motivated detentions, inhumane prison conditions, and violations of inmates’ basic rights.
The visit, conducted on April 29, 2025, comes in response to growing concerns over the prolonged incarceration of individuals arrested during politically sensitive operations particularly those connected to the March 31 protests.
Among those whose cases prompted the Commission’s intervention is Blessed Mhlanga, a a journalist and first-year law student who, along with 94 others, who were arrested in the wake of mass demonstrations.
The Commission found that many of these detainees had been held for extended periods without trial, in violation of Zimbabwe’s constitutional guarantees.
“Detaining individuals for extended periods without trial or bail when there are no compelling reasons is not just unconstitutional—it’s an assault on human dignity,” said ZHRC Chairperson, Ms. Fungayi Jessie Majome, who led the monitoring team.
A Crisis of Rights and Dignity
The ZHRC’s findings paint a dire picture of life behind the prison’s walls, with clear evidence of systemic failures and neglect:
- Prolonged Detention Without Trial: Many detainees, particularly those linked to political cases, were languishing without bail hearings or trial dates—an infringement on the constitutional right to liberty and a fair trial.
- Educational Disruption: Mr. Mhlanga and another detainee, a University of Zimbabwe economics student, were denied the opportunity to sit for their exams—an example of how the system further punishes individuals by obstructing their futures.
- Overcrowded, Inhumane Conditions: Cells built for 35 inmates were housing more than 80, leading to unsanitary and degrading environments. Such conditions violate international human rights standards on the treatment of detainees.
- Healthcare Negligence: Several inmates, some of whom suffered injuries during arrest, had not received any medical attention.
- Police Brutality and Theft Allegations: Detainees reported being beaten and robbed during arrest, with no proper channels for recourse.
- Communication Blackout: A breakdown of TelOne telephone lines at the prison cut inmates off from their families—many of whom provide food, medication, and emotional support.
- Irregular Migrants Detained Without Charges: The team found 66 migrants from various nationalities held without facing any criminal charges—a practice that breaches international law.
Immediate Interventions and Redress
In line with its mandate under Section 243(1)(g) of the Constitution, the ZHRC took swift action on-site to address some of the most urgent issues:
- Secured assurances from prison authorities for immediate medical attention to injured detainees.
- Directed the Officer in Charge to respond promptly to complaints of abuse or bullying.
- Facilitated discussions to ensure food and medication brought by visitors would promptly reach inmates.
- Initiated communication with TelOne for urgent repair of prison phone lines.
- Engaged with the University of Zimbabwe to help affected students, Mhlanga and his peer, reschedule their exams.
- Relayed detainees’ expectations to their legal representatives for personal legal interviews.
The Commission emphasized that these steps were just the beginning. “Protecting the dignity of the detained is not a favor it is a constitutional obligation,” Majome affirmed.
Breakthroughs and the Road Ahead
As a direct result of the ZHRC’s intervention, Mr. Mhlanga and the 94 detainees were granted bail an important victory in a country where political detainees often disappear into the system for months without due process.
While this marks progress, the ZHRC has vowed to continue monitoring the situation, pushing for the broader systemic reforms necessary to align Zimbabwe’s prison and judicial systems with its constitutional and international obligations.
A Wake-Up Call
This visit is more than an isolated inspection—it’s a clarion call for justice, transparency, and humanity in the country’s correctional and legal systems.
It challenges the authorities to respect the rule of law, protect the vulnerable, and restore faith in the justice system.
The full report is available on the ZHRC website and other public platforms. For more information or to report rights violations, citizens are encouraged to contact the Commission directly.