HARARE, Mar. 25 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwean legal scholar, Justice Alfred Mavedzenge, has been appointed to chair an independent Commission of Inquiry into the December 2024 incident at Montagne Posée Prison in Seychelles.
The commission was sworn in on Wednesday by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.
It will investigate events of December 6 and 7, 2024, at the prison, where two detainees died and others were injured.
Mavedzenge, a professor of law, will serve alongside Melchior Vidot and Vic Tirant.
He said the commission will conduct public hearings to establish the facts.
“The Commission will work with the intention of helping the country move forward, and the hearings will be open to the public,” Mavedzenge said.
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The inquiry will determine responsibility for the incident and examine the response of authorities, including the Seychelles Prison Services, Police Force and Defence Forces.
It will also establish the chain of command and identify decision-makers at each stage.
Particular focus will be placed on the deaths of detainees Francis Ernesta and Jerry Mathiot, injuries sustained by others, and the use of force.
The commission has powers to summon witnesses, gather evidence and submit a report within six months, including recommendations on prison crisis management.
The probe follows calls by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights for an independent and impartial investigation.
Government says the inquiry is part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and the rule of law.