Observe human rights, ZRP urged

Victor Maphosa Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been commended for incorporating human rights studies in its courses.

Parliament’s Thematic Committee on Human Rights Senator Oliver Chidawu made the remarks during the committee’s familiarisation tour of ZRP Morris Depot and Harare Central Prison yesterday.

The committee’s focus was on how the police are observing and respecting human rights in their custody as well as of that of the general public during the course of their duties.

In an interview with The Herald on the sidelines of the tour, Senator Chidawu said police officers should practise what they are learning to regain the trust of members of the public.

“The tour is all about finding out how the police officers are being trained and whether they are aware of human rights,” he said. “This was prompted by the alleged level of abuse of human rights by officers, so the committee wanted to familiarise with the force’s operations, especially the training of staff.

“We found that everything is being taught at their staff college, we commend them for that, and we recommend that they should restore public trust as an organisation.”

After visiting the Morris Depot Training Centre, the committee also visited the Harare Central Prison where they expressed concern over the deteriorating state of holding cells.