The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called on authorities to address multiple human rights concerns at Harare Remand Prison, following a monitoring visit conducted on 29 April 2025.
The inspection, led by ZHRC Chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome, was prompted by growing public concern over the prolonged detention of people arrested in politically sensitive cases, including prominent journalist Blessed Mhlanga and 94 others linked to the 31 March protests.
The Commission’s visit, carried out in line with its constitutional mandate, focused on potential violations of detainees’ rights and the need for appropriate redress.
Among the most pressing issues raised were extended pre-trial detentions, allegations of police misconduct, overcrowded prison conditions, lack of access to healthcare and education, and the indefinite detention of irregular migrants.
In a statement, the ZHRC urged authorities to prioritise urgent bail applications, saying bail is a constitutional right unless compelling reasons justify continued detention.
The Commission also called for thorough investigations into allegations of police abuse, improved prison conditions, restoration of communication facilities, and strengthened access to medical care for all detainees.
The ZHRC said it was important to safeguard the educational rights of detainees, and recommended collaboration with the University of Zimbabwe and other institutions to support inmates’ learning opportunities.
The Commission also urged an end to the imprisonment of irregular migrants whose cases do not require criminal detention.
During the visit, the ZHRC was able to facilitate on-the-spot redress for several immediate concerns.
These included an assurance from the Officer in Charge that inmates who were injured during arrest would receive prompt medical attention, and a commitment to allow inmates to report any abuse or bullying directly to him.
The ZHRC also secured agreement that food and medication brought by visitors would be swiftly delivered to inmates.
The Commission has since written to TelOne, requesting urgent repairs to the prison’s broken telephone lines.
In addition, the ZHRC undertook to liaise with the University of Zimbabwe to assist Blessed Mhlanga, a first-year law student, and another 22-year-old economics student to sit their missed and upcoming examinations.
In response to complaints from the 94 protest detainees, the ZHRC successfully communicated their grievances to their legal representatives, ensuring that all clients were informed and their rights acknowledged. The ZHRC said:
There is need to address all outstanding issues and to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals including those in detention.
The Commission will continue monitoring progress with regards to the above human rights and administrative justice issues and facilitate appropriate remedies.