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Commission slams double standards in justice system over drug cases
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The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has criticised the country's justice system for displaying double standards in cases involving locals and foreigners, warning that such discrepancies undermine equality before the law and public trust in the courts.
The commission's concerns were sparked by public outrage over two recent drug-related cases with vastly different outcomes.
In January, Wadzanai Siyamachira (38) was arrested after police surveillance led to the discovery of three grammes of cocaine at her Harare home, valued at US$340. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, six of which were suspended, leaving her to serve an effective one-year jail term for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
By contrast, on September 3, police arrested 10 Chinese nationals during a raid that uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances worth over US$1 000. Despite the larger haul, the foreigners spent only one night in custody, were released on bail, and later fined US$150 each, with an option of six months' imprisonment.
"The contrasting outcomes in these cases highlight a troubling double standard," ZHRC said in a statement. "While Ms Siyamachira faces a stiffer sentence for a relatively small quantity of drugs, the Chinese nationals received lenient treatment, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of our legal system."
The commission warned that such inconsistencies fuel perceptions that foreigners receive preferential treatment at the expense of locals. "The differential treatment not only undermines the principle of equality before the law, but also erodes public trust in the justice system," ZHRC added.
It also noted that public sentiment, amplified on social media, has increasingly reflected anger and suspicion towards legal institutions.
ZHRC urged authorities to probe the root causes of the disparities and to reform judicial processes to ensure consistency, transparency, and fairness. "The ZHRC calls for an immediate review of the treatment of drug-related offences, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of nationality, are held to the same legal standards," the statement read.
As Zimbabwe's national human rights body, ZHRC emphasised that restoring equality and integrity within the justice system is key to building a society where citizens can seek justice without fear of discrimination.
The commission's concerns were sparked by public outrage over two recent drug-related cases with vastly different outcomes.
In January, Wadzanai Siyamachira (38) was arrested after police surveillance led to the discovery of three grammes of cocaine at her Harare home, valued at US$340. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, six of which were suspended, leaving her to serve an effective one-year jail term for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
By contrast, on September 3, police arrested 10 Chinese nationals during a raid that uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances worth over US$1 000. Despite the larger haul, the foreigners spent only one night in custody, were released on bail, and later fined US$150 each, with an option of six months' imprisonment.
The commission warned that such inconsistencies fuel perceptions that foreigners receive preferential treatment at the expense of locals. "The differential treatment not only undermines the principle of equality before the law, but also erodes public trust in the justice system," ZHRC added.
It also noted that public sentiment, amplified on social media, has increasingly reflected anger and suspicion towards legal institutions.
ZHRC urged authorities to probe the root causes of the disparities and to reform judicial processes to ensure consistency, transparency, and fairness. "The ZHRC calls for an immediate review of the treatment of drug-related offences, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of nationality, are held to the same legal standards," the statement read.
As Zimbabwe's national human rights body, ZHRC emphasised that restoring equality and integrity within the justice system is key to building a society where citizens can seek justice without fear of discrimination.
Source - Newsday
