Not everything is gloomy about war torn Somalia with police cells gaping for clients as there are no regular law breakers.
A fast track court process that is also coupled with low regular crime rates has let Somalia grappling with under-utilized police cells.
Visiting journalists from Sierra Leone and Zambia were taken on a familiarization tour at the Kaaraan Station in Mogadishu District.
The Police Force’s Kaaraan Station is located in the Southern Banaadirregion of Somali one of the oldest Districts in Mogadishu.
The fully refurbished and equipped police station in the capital’s Kaaraan district, was handed over to the Somali Police Force in May this year after several months of rehabilitation has currently three holding cells for the male, female and juvenile offenders.
The renovation of this police station was done through joint efforts of AMISOM Police and the AU Mission’s Civil Affairs Unit, with funding from the Japanese government as part of AMISOM’s Quick Impact Projects, aimed at providing speedy service delivery to the people.
According to information availed to journalists the holding cells were empty because only detainees who commit serious offences are detained and taken to court within 48 hours.
It was further revealed that non serious offences like assault, minor offences of theft and gender based violence are being handled at the police station without having to endure the sometimes lengthy court process.
The holding cells are normally empty because only offenders who commit serious offences are being detained in the cells and strictly with 48 hours are presented before court.
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