By: Selma Taapopi
Former ombudsman John Walters says there is a need for adequate human rights training for law enforcement officers.
Walters’ comments come after a Nust study found that 185 out of every 100,000 people in prison have not been tried.
The report indicates that the prosecution office returned more than 199 police dockets from the Wanaheda, Katutura,
and Otjomuise police stations for the immediate release of the detained individuals due to a lack of prima facie evidence.
Walters further pointed out the detention conditions as another violation of human rights, adding that the issues in the
findings of the study by NUST are reoccurring.
” I’m strong in my belief in that, (they should) develop a culture or a
practice of arrest and then detain and then start your investigations. If they are properly trained in human rights, then they
would know, ‘oh I cannot detain the person because I haven’t got the evidence to detain the person” Walters stated, adding that he does not know if the officers are failing to do tie job or abusing their powers.
The study further attributed the errors to challenges such as overload and understaffing.
Walters said some of these challenges can be addressed by prioritising the police sector and providing adequate resources.
“My view is that in the police, education, health and the justice system there should never be a shortage of money that they
face problems that they cannot treat a person, a person’s pre-trial rights are violated by the courts who are the custodians
of human right” he said.
Walters added that the study’s findings should be addressed, and the relevant institutions should be considered.
