Gobabis Police Station overcrowded as 233 inmates await trial - nbc

Описание: Police in Gobabis have confirmed overcrowding at the Gobabis Police Station holding cells, with 233 inmates awaiting trial currently detained in a facility designed to hold only 60.

The police response follows complaints made by inmates to NBC News about overcrowding and health risks, including claims that some detainees have been held in custody awaiting trial for up to seven years.

Omaheke Police Regional Commander Commissioner Heinrich Tjiveze said the station has eight cells and acknowledged that overcrowding creates risks such as the spread of communicable diseases due to close body contact, as well as safety concerns among detainees.

While admitting that overcrowding poses dangers, Tjiveze maintained that ventilation is not a major concern because the cells have “enough windows” allowing fresh air circulation.

He also said inmates are screened by medical personnel two to three times per week, with referrals made for further medical attention when required. The inmates have denied this.

Tjiveze further said officers have been discouraged from arresting offenders for petty crimes and instead use admission-of-guilt fines. Where arrests are made, police said suspects may be released on warning under Section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The regional commander also said cases are being investigated and submitted to prosecutors for decisions on whether to prosecute, and the courts are being requested to reduce bail amounts to make them affordable.

Tjiveze said the longest-serving detainees at Gobabis holding cells have been in custody for five years, mainly linked to wildlife-related crimes in Omaheke and other regions, and that postponements in those cases were “always on the side of the accused”.

He further stated that overcrowding in police holding cells is “not by design” but results from criminal justice processes, including arrests made to secure court attendance and court decisions to grant bail or remand suspects in custody.