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Mwema calls for prisons’ decongestion
2006-05-27 09:35:07
By Mohamed Mhina
Inspector-General of Police, Said Mwema has ordered all Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) to work out modalities of reducing congestion in prisons.
Addressing a meeting of high-ranking police officers from Zanzibar and Mainland in Moshi, Mwema said some remandees did not deserve to be in custody.
”I want you (RPCs) to work closely with prisons officers, identify remandees who were arbitrarily locked up for possible release to ease congestion in prisons,” the IGP said.
The police chief noted that the directive would not be implemented unless the RPCs personally took part in its implementation.
He said a review of records would be done to establish why it had taken so long for some suspects to appear in court.
’This (assessment) will speed up completion of police investigations and some of the suspects would be allowed to attend from their homes,’ the IGP said.
Mwema warned against delayed justice, which he said is a violation of human rights. ’Delayed justice is denied justice,’ he said.
He said, there was no reason why suspects who qualify for bail should be in remand.
’These are just suspects with equal rights like any other person unless proven guilty by the court,’ he said.
Early this month, President Kikwete visited three prisons in Dar es Salaam – Keko, Ukonga and Segerea – where he witnessed the congestion in prisons.
With regard to road safety, the IGP said the police should have no mercy on reckless drivers who risk people’s lives.
’You must act tough against careless drivers. Avoid taking and soliciting bribes because any traffic police found to have done so would be sacked,’ Mwema warned.
He paid tribute to members of the public who conveyed useful information to the police that help track down and arrest criminals.
Meanwhile, the Police Force has officially bid farewell to immediate former Inspector-General of Police Omar Mahita.
At a brief farewell ceremony at the Police College in Moshi yesterday, Mahita pledged loyalty to the force and the nation.
Speaking after he had inspected a guard of honour mounted by the force, Mahita said he would remain a loyal and law abiding citizen.
He also reminded the police of the need to co-operate with the public to fight crime in the country.
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