HARARE – The arrest and detention of a mother with her two young children was “unfortunate” and “will not be allowed to happen again,” the Zimbabwe Republic Police said on Thursday after a picture circulated on social media.
The image showed a mother and her two children – possibly twins under four years of age – caged inside a fence in the holding cells area of Rhodesville Police Station in Harare.
It remains unclear why the woman had been arrested, although it is thought it relates to breaching Covid-19 lockdown regulations. The woman wore a mask, while her two children did not.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of a photo which has gone viral on social media where a woman is seen in police holding cells with two minor children at Rhodesville Police Station. This is very unfortunate,” police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement.
“The ZRP is now conducting investigations with a view of finding out what really transpired and taking remedial action.”
Nyathi said the ZRP “remains committed to the observance of human rights, rights of children and will ensure that police officers perform their duties in accordance to set standards, police Client Service Charter and above all section 219 of the constitution of the country.”
“This unfortunate incident will not be allowed to happen again. We appeal to members of the public to allow the police to conduct investigations so that appropriate decisions can be made,” Nyathi added.
