Magistrate warns police over lengthy detentions

The magistrate ruled that the councillors' arrest by ZACC was based on malice

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE Matabeleland South provincial magistrate-in-charge, Mr Douglas Vakayi Chikwekwe, yesterday warned the police for detaining suspects for too long, saying it is against the law. Mr Chikwekwe reprimanded the officer-in-charge of Guyu Police Station in Gwanda District, Inspector Smart Siziba, during a court session at the Gwanda magistrates’ court for detaining for too long a stocktheft suspect who was arrested on 21 September but was brought to court yesterday.

The suspect had stolen two donkeys and had to spend four days in police holding cells.
The law stipulates that suspects should not be detained for more than 48 hours before they are taken to court.

“How would you feel if you are over-detained?” asked Mr Chikwekwe.
“I have dealt with one or two cases of a similar nature. This court will never tolerate that. Don’t do it again. I am warning you.”

However, Insp Siziba said the major challenge facing Guyu Police Station was that of communication.
He said because of the absence of a landline telephone, there was poor communication between the office and officers on the ground.

“The suspect was arrested by members who were on patrol and unfortunately we rely on cellphones as a means of communication.
“However, we usually experience network problems,” said Insp Siziba. To ensure that suspects were not detained for more than the stipulated 48 hours, the magistrates’ courts have started operating on Saturdays.