By : Lloyd Mahachi
Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved a bill to abolish the death penalty. This is a big step towards eliminating this form of punishment in the country. The bill was passed on Thursday and will now be sent to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his signature. It is expected that he will sign the bill into law soon.
The death penalty has not been used in Zimbabwe for nearly 20 years. The last execution took place in 2005. Since then, there have been no executions, partly because no hangmen were willing to carry out the sentences. Despite this, courts have continued to impose death sentences. As a result, there are currently over 60 prisoners waiting to be executed in Zimbabwe.
President Mnangagwa has been a strong opponent of the death penalty. He was sentenced to death himself during the independence war. However, his sentence was later changed to ten years in prison. Because of his own experience, President Mnangagwa has spoken out against the death penalty. He has also used his power to change death sentences to life imprisonment in some cases.
Amnesty International has welcomed the Senate’s decision to approve the bill. The organization is urging President Mnangagwa to sign the bill into law as soon as possible. They are also asking him to change the sentences of those who are currently on death row. Amnesty International notes that most countries around the world have abolished the death penalty. Zimbabwe is one of the countries that is making progress towards abolishing this form of punishment.
The abolition of the death penalty is an important human rights achievement. It is a big step towards treating all people with dignity and respect. Zimbabwe’s progress towards abolishing the death penalty is commendable. The country is joining a growing list of nations that have eliminated this form of punishment. When President Mnangagwa signs the bill into law, Zimbabwe will be taking a major step forward in its human rights journey.
The death penalty is a form of punishment that has no place in the modern world. It is an inhumane way to treat people. Many countries have recognized this and have abolished the death penalty. Zimbabwe is now joining their ranks. The abolition of the death penalty is a victory for human rights and dignity. It is a reminder that all people deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, no matter what they have done.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards abolishing the death penalty. More and more countries are recognizing that this form of punishment is not effective and is not just. Zimbabwe is part of this trend. The country is making progress towards abolishing the death penalty and is expected to join the list of countries that have eliminated this form of punishment soon. This is a major achievement for Zimbabwe and a big step forward for human rights in the country.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi