A recent inspection by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has revealed disturbing human rights violations at Harare Remand Prison, with evidence of politically motivated detentions, poor prison conditions, and denial of fundamental rights to inmates.
The visit, conducted on 29 April 2025, followed 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 inspection, led by ZHRC Chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome, was carried out in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate to investigate potential human rights violations and ensure appropriate redress.
The mission wanted to establish the facts surrounding the arrests and detentions, as well as assess the general treatment of inmates at the facility.
According to the Commission’s findings, many inmates, including Mhlanga, have experienced excessive delays in their legal proceedings.
These delays raise serious concerns about the denial of the right to a fair and timely trial.
The report also found that those held in connection with politically charged cases had endured prolonged pre-trial detention without compelling legal justification, contrary to constitutional protections guaranteeing bail and protection from arbitrary detention.
The ZHRC expressed alarm at the denial of educational rights to some detainees. Mhlanga, a first-year law student, and another inmate studying Economics at the University of Zimbabwe, were both blocked from sitting their university examinations while in custody.
Access to healthcare was similarly inadequate, with several inmates reporting neglect and a lack of essential services.
Conditions within the prison were described as inhumane. The inspection revealed that cells designed for 35 inmates were holding more than 80, resulting in severe overcrowding and unsanitary, degrading living conditions.
These conditions, the Commission warned, amounted to cruel and inhuman treatment in violation of both domestic and international human rights standards.
Detainees also reported mistreatment at the hands of arresting officers, including physical abuse and theft of personal belongings.
These allegations have prompted renewed calls for police accountability and improved oversight of law enforcement practices.
Adding to the concerns, the Commission noted that a breakdown of the TelOne telephone system within the prison had left many inmates unable to contact their families.
This breakdown deprived detainees of vital emotional and logistical support, undermining their right to maintain family contact.
Of particular concern was the continued detention of 66 irregular migrants of various nationalities. The ZHRC found that these people were not facing any criminal charges and were not awaiting trial, making their detention unlawful under Zimbabwean and international legal frameworks.