By Jane Mlambo| A local Non-governmental organisation Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has taken the ministry of finance and economic development to court to compel it to release funds for the construction of more prisons.

According to the organisation, construction of more prisons is important to de-congest jails to protect inmates from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Forum has filed a court application to compel the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to release funds for the construction of more prisons facilities.

“This is meant to avoid overcrowding in prisons so as to protect inmates from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the organisation said.

Zimbabwe prisons have a carrying capacity of 17 000 inmates but have been accommodating over 22 000 people, the reason why the NGO Forum wants the court to compel government to take immediate action.