The Human Rights Commission has urged authorities to grant bond and bail to suspects to decongesting police cells and preventing cholera from spreading to the deprivation of liberty facilities.

The Commission also wants the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the judiciary to enhance collaboration and understanding to facilitate granting of bail to deserving suspects.

In a statement, the Commission’s Spokesperson Mwelwa Muleya has also expressed concern on the lack of adequate water supply and sanitation services in detention facilities such as in police cells and correctional facilities.

Yesterday, January 8, 2023, the Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner Fredrick Chilukutu revealed that they are keeping over 1,500 suspects in custody despite facing bailable offences.

Despite his revelation, police are keeping custody of over 30 people facing idle and disorderly conduct charges.

By Darius Choonya