Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom
Protection of Human Rights Activities [continued]
ZHRC also appreciates the efforts made by ZPCS in addressing the needs of female
inmates which include uniforms, sanitary wear and bedding at Chikurubi Female Prison.
In the same vein, ZHRC acknowledges and appreciates the partnerships that ZPCS has
entered with various faith based organisations as well as development partners in
addressing the needs of inmates.
It was noted that there were infant facilities at Chikurubi female prison to cater for children
accompanying their mothers in prison. There was also evidence of separation of inmates
according to the various categories for example, female, males, mentally challenged, TB
patients and nursing mothers were kept separately- in the respective prisons.
The major challenges in prisons is inadequacy of resources. Inmates and officials
confirmed that the provision of a balanced diet was below standards as well as availability
of basics such as toiletries. Bindura prison reported serious shortages of clothing and
blankets to an extent that inmates wrapped themselves with blankets. Another common
challenge across all prisons was overcrowding of inmates and shortage of staff
accommodation. In addition to that, Maximum prisons stated that they are understaffed.
Prison officials were staying away from the prisons and posed a challenge in cases of
emergencies such as the 13th March 2015 at Chikurubi Maximum where additional
manpower was needed.
6.3.2 Visit to Police Cells: Harare Central Police Station,
08 September 2015
This was essentially a learning and familiarisation visit and it was an integral aspect of the
process of developing a manual for monitoring and inspections. The overarching
objective was to strengthen collaborative partnerships between the ZHRC and the
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and to undertake an audit of facilities in light of the ruling
of the Supreme Court in the case of Williams & Others v Co-Ministers of Home Affairs &
others SC 207/11 which is the leading case on police conditions. At Harare Central Police
Station, ZHRC commended efforts to keep the cells clean and sanitary facilities in order.
There were water reservoirs in place as well as disinfectants for toilets in place to ensure
attainment of the right to health for inmates. It was confirmed that sanitary wear for female
inmates were in place. At the time of the visit, ZHRC witnessed that the cells had enough
blankets and there was no overcrowding. The officials indicated that in as much as their
resources were limited, the situation at Harare central police was manageable due to the
fact that they keep inmates for a lesser period of time as compared to prisons. However, a
matter of concern that was raised was that there was need to repair the laundry machine
(at the time of the visit) as well as repairing ventilation equipment.
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Annual Report 2015
19
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