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A damning report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has exposed severe human rights violations and inhumane conditions at Harare Remand Prison, following an inspection visit on 29 April 2025. The visit came amid mounting public concern over the detention of individuals arrested in connection with the 31 March protests, including prominent journalist Blessed Mhlanga and 94 others.
Led by ZHRC Chairperson Fungayi Jessie Majome, the inspection uncovered troubling evidence of overcrowding, delayed legal processes, politically motivated detentions, and denial of basic rights to inmates. The mission aimed to verify the circumstances surrounding recent arrests and assess the general treatment of prisoners at the facility.
According to the report, inmates such as Mhlanga have faced excessive delays in court proceedings. These prolonged pre-trial detentions, particularly in politically sensitive cases, often lacked compelling legal justification, undermining constitutional guarantees of bail and protection from arbitrary detention. “The Commission is deeply concerned about the violation of the right to a fair and timely trial,” the report stated.
The ZHRC also found that educational rights were being denied to incarcerated students. Mhlanga, a first-year law student, and another detainee studying Economics at the University of Zimbabwe, were barred from sitting their university exams. Access to medical care was similarly poor, with multiple inmates reporting medical neglect and lack of basic health services.
The physical conditions within Harare Remand were described by the Commission as “cruel and inhuman.” Cells meant for 35 people were holding more than 80, resulting in unsanitary and degrading conditions. “These living conditions amount to cruel and inhuman treatment,” the ZHRC warned, citing violations of both domestic and international human rights obligations.
Inmates also recounted abuse during arrest, including physical violence and theft of personal belongings by officers. These allegations have intensified calls for greater police accountability and strengthened oversight of law enforcement conduct.
Adding to the distress, a breakdown of the prison’s TelOne telephone system left many detainees unable to contact their families. The Commission noted this failure had “deprived inmates of vital emotional and logistical support,” infringing on their right to family communication.
One of the most serious findings involved the continued detention of 66 irregular migrants from various countries. The ZHRC determined that these individuals were neither facing charges nor awaiting trial. “Their continued detention is unlawful under both Zimbabwean law and international legal frameworks,” the report concluded.
The ZHRC inspection forms part of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to investigate potential human rights violations and ensure redress. The findings have renewed pressure on Zimbabwean authorities to reform prison conditions and uphold the rule of law in the handling of politically sensitive cases.
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