Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, marking a significant shift in the country’s criminal justice system.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently signed into law the Death Penalty Abolition Act, which will result in the commutation of death sentences for around 60 prisoners currently on death row.
This move is seen as a major milestone in human rights progress for the nation.
A Long-Standing Moratorium on Executions
Although executions have been suspended since 2005, courts in Zimbabwe had continued to hand down death sentences for severe crimes, including murder, treason, and terrorism.
The new law, published in the Government Gazette, ensures that no court will be able to issue a capital punishment sentence for any offense in the future.
Those currently on death row will have their sentences converted to prison time instead.
Controversial Provision Regarding State of Emergency
While the law abolishes the death penalty in most situations, it does include a controversial provision.
During a state of emergency, the suspension of the death penalty could be lifted, allowing capital punishment to be reinstated under certain circumstances.
This clause has raised concerns among human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, which welcomed the new law but urged the government to remove this provision.
Human Rights Organizations Welcome the Change
Amnesty International celebrated the passing of the Death Penalty Abolition Act as an “historic moment” for Zimbabwe.
The rights organization also emphasized the need to eliminate the emergency clause to ensure full abolition.
As of the end of 2023, Amnesty reported that at least 59 individuals in Zimbabwe were still facing death sentences.
The Herald, a local newspaper, also reported that the 63 inmates on death row might need to return to court for resentencing now that the death penalty has been officially abolished.
Africa’s Changing Stance on the Death Penalty
Zimbabwe’s move brings the country in line with other nations across sub-Saharan Africa that have made strides toward abolishing the death penalty.
As of now, 24 countries in the region have abolished capital punishment for all crimes, with two others abolishing it for ordinary crimes only.
Mnangagwa’s Personal Connection to the Issue
President Mnangagwa’s opposition to the death penalty is personal.
In the 1960s, he was sentenced to death after blowing up a train during the guerrilla war for Zimbabwe’s independence.
His sentence was eventually commuted, and he has since become an outspoken critic of capital punishment.
The Global Context of Executions
Although many countries are moving toward abolishing the death penalty, some still carry out executions.
In 2023, only one country in sub-Saharan Africa, Somalia, was known to have executed prisoners.
This highlights the growing global trend against capital punishment.
Zimbabwe’s abolition of the death penalty represents a significant moment for the country, and it’s a development that could inspire other nations in the region to follow suit.