CHIEF Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku yesterday called on government to provide police with financial resources to enable them to renovate some of their condemned holding cells.
FELUNA NLEYA STAFF REPORTER
Justice Chidyausiku made the remarks while officiating at a police passout parade at Morris Depot in Harare.
“May I take this opportunity to raise an issue that is of concern to me as head of the judiciary,The Constitutional Court (ConCourt) has on more than one occasion expressed concern over the conditions prevailing in police holding cells. The conditions in some of these cells are inhuman and degrading,” he said.
“The Constitutional Court has held that detaining suspects in these cells is a violation of their constitutional right. In light of this, I would like to appeal to the government to provide the police with resources to enable the police to improve the conditions of police holding cells.”
The holding cells, especially at Harare Central Police Station, were first condemned by the ConCourt following an application filed by pressure group, Women of Zimbabwe Arise.
Justice Chidyausiku said he was aware that government was struggling financially, but suggested that the refurbishments be carried out in phases. He also said the adoption of the new Constitution had brought with it a refreshing approach to constitutionalism.
“If you contrast that position of yesteryear with the current position, you will agree with me that we now have a Constitution which we can truly call our own,” Chidyausiku said.
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“It is now our duty, Commissioner-General (Augustine Chihuri), the police and the judiciary to ensure that our constitution is upheld at all times and by all without fear or favour. With the adoption of the new Constitution, constitutionalism should now be the order of the day for all of us.”