Authorities in Zambia have revealed they are keeping over 1,500 suspects in custody despite facing bailable offences.
Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the criminal session of the Lusaka High Court, Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General, Fredrick Chilukutu, wants the Judiciary to prioritise non-custodial sentences for appropriate offences and also grant bail for bailable offences with flexible bail conditions.
The remanded people are said to be awaiting the conclusion of their trial before the courts of law.
And Lusaka High Court presiding judge Charles Kafunda says the prolonged detention of individuals awaiting the conclusion of their trial has also contributed to congestion in prisons.
According to the latest statistics,
Zambia’s prison population has gone up to 25,372 against the capacity of 10,650.
By Darius Choonya