ZHRC Responds to Public Concerns Over Unequal Treatment in Drug Cases
Nqobizwe Thebe
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has responded to growing public concern over what it calls unequal treatment in two recent drug-related cases, warning that the justice system must uphold fairness and equality for all.
In a statement, the Commission said the cases “raise critical questions about equality and non discrimination within our justice delivery system.”
The ZHRC highlighted two incidents that have sparked debate. Wadzanai Siyamachira, a 38-year-old Zimbabwean woman, was arrested on January 23, 2025, after police discovered 3.0138 grams of cocaine worth about US$340 at her Harare home. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with six months suspended, resulting in an effective 12-month jail term for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
In contrast, on September 3, 2025, ten Chinese nationals were arrested during a police raid and found with cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances valued at over US$1,000. They were granted bail after just one night in custody and fined US$150 each, with the option of a six-month prison sentence.
“The ZHRC is deeply concerned about the apparent discrepancies in treatment between Zimbabwean citizens and foreign nationals within the justice system,” the Commission stated. Citing Section 56 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees equality and non-discrimination, the ZHRC stressed that “all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection and benefit of the law.”
The Commission warned that the differing outcomes “highlight a troubling double standard,” noting that Ms. Siyamachira faced a harsher penalty for a smaller quantity of drugs compared to the lenient treatment of the Chinese nationals. Such disparities, it said, “not only undermine the principle of equality before the law but also erode public trust in the justice system.”
Public anger over the cases has grown on social media, with many Zimbabweans accusing the courts of favoring foreign nationals. The ZHRC cautioned that this perception could create “a climate of mistrust and cynicism toward legal institutions.”
To address these concerns, the Commission urged authorities to launch an immediate inquiry. “The ZHRC recommends the authorities to investigate the causes of such disparities in order to restore faith in the justice delivery processes,” it said. The ZHRC also called for a review of how drug-related offenses are handled to ensure all individuals, regardless of nationality, face the same legal standards.
The Commission further pressed the government to strengthen transparency and fairness in the justice system. “A commitment to equitable treatment for all individuals is essential in fostering a just society where citizens feel empowered to seek justice without fear of discrimination,” the ZHRC concluded.
