Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a law that immediately removes the controversial punishment from the country’s legal system. This historic move follows a vote in Parliament earlier this month, marking a significant shift toward human rights in the southern African nation.
Amnesty International has lauded the decision, calling it a “beacon of hope” for the region’s abolitionist movement, though it expressed concerns over the possibility of reinstating the death penalty in times of national emergency. The death penalty had not been actively enforced since 2005, when the country last executed a prisoner by hanging. However, courts had continued to issue death sentences for severe crimes, particularly murder.
This development reflects a broader trend across the African continent, where several countries have been taking steps to reconsider or abolish capital punishment. While the move is seen as a win for human rights advocates, the law’s potential suspension during emergencies remains a point of contention.
With this action, Zimbabwe becomes one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa to formally reject the death penalty, sending a strong message about the nation’s commitment to human rights and justice reform. The decision also strengthens Zimbabwe’s role in the growing global movement against capital punishment.
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