Police Have a Legal Obligation to Admit Suspects to Bond Within a Prescribed Period - HRC

The HRC continues to engage the Police on its legal obligation to either admit suspects to bond or bring suspects under their custody before the courts of law within the legally stipulated time.

Lusaka, Oct. 15 – The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has stated that the Zambia Police has a legal obligation to admit suspects to police bond or present them before court promptly and in legally prescribed time.

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Responding to a letter of complaint written by Patriotic Front Chairperson of Information and Publicity, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba who complained about the prolonged detention of Hon. Raphael Nakacinda, the HRC stated that it was already investigating the matter at the time of the complaint.

“The Zambia Police Service on its legal obligation to either admit suspects to bond or closely work with the National Prosecution Authority to bring suspects under their custody before the courts of law within the legally stipulated period of time to avoid infringements on rights to liberty and protection of the law.”

Below is the letter by the HRC to Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba:

◾RE: Complaint Against Alleged Denial Of Hon. Raphael Nakacinda’s Police Bond.

The Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) hereby acknowledges safe receipt of your letter dated 10th October 2024.

We acknowledge your efforts towards your submission of a formal complaint against the Zambia Police Service for the alleged detention of Hon. Raphael Nakacinda without admitting him to police bond within the legally prescribed period.

Kindly be informed that the contents of your aforesaid letter were already receiving the Commission’s active attention at the date of receipt of your letter.

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More specifically, the Commission had been engaging, and continues to engage, the Zambia Police Service on its legal obligation to either admit suspects to bond or closely work with the National Prosecution Authority to bring suspects under their custody before the courts of law within the legally stipulated period of time to avoid infringements on rights to liberty and protection of the law.

We sincerely thank you for your commitment towards enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights. Please accept the Commission’s high assurances of unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of law in the country.

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