HRC RAISES CONCERN OVER BARRIERS TO POLICE BOND

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has raised concern over continued barriers to accessing police bond, citing onerous conditions such as the requirement for two sureties.

Speaking during a press briefing on the outcome of the Commission’s third case review meeting held from October 27 to 28, 2026, Commission Chairperson Pamela Towela Sambo said some suspects struggle to meet bond conditions after being transferred from their homes and losing contact with relatives.

Dr. Sambo said the Commission had intervened in some cases to secure the release of suspects on their own recognisance.

She has since called on the Zambia Police Service to ensure bond conditions are lawful, reasonable, proportionate and responsive to the circumstances of each case.

Dr. Sambo said where police bond is permitted by law, conditions should facilitate rather than restrict the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms.

The Commission said it reviewed 100 cases of alleged human rights violations involving law enforcement agencies, justice sector institutions and other public and private entities during the two-day meeting.

Of the cases reviewed, 47 concerned the right to equal protection of the law, while 36 related to the right to personal liberty.

Eight cases involved the protection of children from abuse, while two each concerned labour and employment rights, social security, and freedom from torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.

One case each related to social protection, access to information and the right to education.