Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Governance, Elections, Advocacy, Research Services (GEARS) executive director, McDonald Chipenzi says the arrest of all those who behaved and acted with political impunity during the previous regime is welcome and long overdue, However, this must be done within the law and a civilized approach.
Mr. Chipenzi says the emerging silence from police on the status of former defense minister Davies Chama’s case and his whereabouts must now be a source of concern and anxiety to many human rights defenders.
He says many well meaning citizens wish to see all suspected lawbreakers brought to account and those charged with bondable or bailable charges be awarded these facilities until their cases are decided by a competent court.
Mr. Chipenzi is of the considered view that less flight risk political suspects charged with bondable and bailable offences must be treated within the dictates of the human rights specifications.
He has observed that almost 5 days now have passed since Mr. Chama was arrested, detained and transferred to Sesheke, the scene of crime, as the last official update.
The Sesheke trip was also for Davies Chama to take plea on the offence he is charged with that of attempt to murder-by police.
Mr. Chipenzi has questioned whether Mr. Chama has taken plea or still in custody and why he has not appeared in court to ask for bail if the offence he is charged with is bailable.
He says Mr. Chama being a former Defence Minister, he cannot be a flight risk and he is of fixed abode.
Mr. Chipenzi says it is important that he is treated within the prescribed demands of the law that is to appear before a competent court within 48hrs and apply for bail or be bonded if police are ready and still investigating on the case.