Faith Nyasuguta
In a landmark decision, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, nearly 20 years after its last execution. President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the law into effect following the cabinet’s decision to eliminate capital punishment in June. The announcement was made through a government decree issued on Tuesday by Chief Secretary to the Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya.
The new law, published in the official Government Gazette, states, “No court shall impose sentence of death upon a person for any offense, whenever committed, but instead shall impose whatever other competent sentence is appropriate in the circumstances of the case.” This historic move marks a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s judicial system and aligns the country with a growing global trend towards the abolition of the death penalty.
Zimbabwe’s last execution took place in 2005, and since then, the country has maintained an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment. The decision to abolish the death penalty is a culmination of years of advocacy by human rights organizations, legal experts, and activists who have long argued that the death penalty is inhumane and ineffective as a deterrent to crime.
President Mnangagwa, himself a former death row inmate, has been a vocal opponent of the death penalty. In 1965, he was sentenced to death for his involvement in the liberation struggle against British colonial rule. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment because he was under the age of 21 at the time. Mnangagwa’s personal experience with the death penalty has undoubtedly influenced his stance on the issue.
The abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe has been met with widespread praise from both domestic and international communities. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have lauded the decision as a significant step forward for human rights in the country.
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, stated, “This is a historic moment for Zimbabwe and a victory for all those who have campaigned tirelessly for the abolition of the death penalty. We commend President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwean government for taking this bold step towards upholding the right to life and human dignity.”
Domestically, the decision has been welcomed by many Zimbabweans who view it as a progressive move towards a more humane and just society. However, there are also those who oppose the abolition, arguing that the death penalty is necessary for the most heinous crimes. The government has acknowledged these concerns but maintains that the abolition is in line with Zimbabwe’s commitment to human rights and justice.
The abolition of the death penalty will have significant legal and social implications for Zimbabwe. Legally, it will require the courts to impose alternative sentences for crimes that previously carried the death penalty. This may include life imprisonment or other long-term sentences, depending on the severity of the crime.
This historic move by President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwean government is a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of upholding the right to life. It is a significant step towards a more just and humane society, and a victory for human rights in Zimbabwe.
RELATED:
