By Dickson Jere
My inbox is jammed with messages from parents, relatives, wives and children whose relatives are stuck in various Police cells for many inordinate days. Going by the messages, it appears to be a big problem!
I cannot resolve this issue alone. Yes, I managed to get the 22 year old youngman to appear in court after 75 days in Police custody. But I cannot deal with all these complaints – Human Rights Commission – Kindly get involved as well as human rights NGOs. The Church and the press.
The problem is real!
My advise to the police command is to demand for weakly returns from Officers In-Charge across the country to show “who is who in cells” including the length of their detention. Police cells are not meant to remand people. Charge the suspects and make them appear before Courts immediately if bond cannot be given.
President Hakainde Hichilema has been very clear on this matter. Give Police Bonds and make sure the suspects appear before Courts as soon as it practically possible. Those are presidential instructions…heed bwana!
