CHREA calls for closure of Limbe Police cells

The Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) has called for the closure of Limbe Police cells because they are a health risk to both the prisoners and Police Officers.

Executive Director for CHREA Victor Mhango was reacting to reports that the building has a plumbing problem which resulted in toilet blockages, leading to overflowing of sewage at the premises.

Mhango said subjecting suspects to such a hazardous environment was inhuman and condemned it in strongest terms.

“It is sad to note that the police receive funding every year but they choose to be blind on the Limbe station plumbing problem which has been there for a long time. I think the best way is to close the cells until the problem is rectified,” said Mhango.

Public Relations Officer for Limbe Police Station, Chifundo Kansunje said as a station they have informed authorities to help them find a lasting solution to the problem but they have not been forthcoming.

“At a station level, what we can manage are temporary remedies, the problem is huge and there is need to revisit the whole plumbing system for this building,” explained Kansunje adding that the problem started only two weeks after the police occupied the building in 2010.

“It is so unhealthy, the whole building is stinking, even police officers working in these cells are at risk, we really urge the authorities to intervene,” said Kansunje

Limbe Police Station has up to 160 suspected criminals in its cells awaiting trial.