After months of deliberation and debate, Zimbabwe’s cabinet has made a historic decision to abolish the death penalty, replacing it with lengthy prison sentences for serious offenses. The move marks the end of a colonial-era law inherited from British rule.
The decision came following the passing of a private member’s bill in the National Assembly last year, which called for the abolition of the death penalty. The cabinet unanimously agreed to enact the bill, emphasizing the importance of retaining a deterrent element in sentencing while respecting the right to life.
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Under the new legislation, cases involving aggravating circumstances may attract life sentences, ensuring that justice is served while upholding human rights standards.
Zimbabwe has not carried out any executions since 2005, reflecting a shift away from capital punishment in recent years. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, himself a former death row inmate during the struggle for independence, has been a vocal advocate for ending the death penalty.
The decision to abolish the death penalty reflects a significant step forward in Zimbabwe’s legal system, aligning with global trends towards the abolition of capital punishment. It represents a progressive move towards a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration while upholding fundamental human rights principles.
